Seattle, WA
Community meeting will discuss Lee Center demolition to make way for Seattle University Museum of Art
 100vw, 584px”>
<p id=)
SUMA design rendering by Olson Kundig
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.capitolhillseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/leecenter.jpg?fit=400%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.capitolhillseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/leecenter.jpg?fit=584%2C328&ssl=1″ class=”size-medium wp-image-2067289143″ alt=”” width=”400″ height=”225″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.capitolhillseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/leecenter.jpg?resize=400%2C225&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/www.capitolhillseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/leecenter.jpg?resize=600%2C337&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.capitolhillseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/leecenter.jpg?resize=500%2C281&ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.capitolhillseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/leecenter.jpg?w=750&ssl=1 750w” sizes=”(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px”>
<p id=)
(Image: Lee Center for the Arts)
By Matt Dowell
An April 22nd meeting has been set between Seattle University and the community following concerns about the school’s plans to demolish its Lee Center for the Arts to make way for a new art museum on 12th Ave. An often behind-the-scenes public body flexed its muscles to get the meeting on the books after “unprecedented” public interest in the project’s early stages.
A year ago, Seattle U announced that a major donation from property developer Dick Hedreen, including his family’s 200-piece, $300 million collection of paintings, pottery, photography, etchings, and sculptures, would culminate in a new Seattle University Museum of Art (SUMA). When the university announced that the plans meant the Lee Center would have to go, students and faculty pushed back, saying that the building was a “critical space for students and community members” and that planned replacements were inadequate.
Now, the Seattle University’s Implementation Advisory Committee has stepped up. IACs are groups of city-appointed volunteers who monitor the development of Seattle’s major institutions – universities, colleges, and hospitals. The institutions are granted special zoning rules but must adhere to agreements made with their surrounding communities.
Kaiser Permanente’s IAC has recently advocated on behalf of the neighborhood for better use of empty storefronts and under-utilized parking space.
But chair John Feit says that, to date, Seattle U’s IAC hasn’t had much reason to question the university’s plans.
“We’ve reviewed two projects in my time,” he said. “In both cases, [the new] buildings were uncontroversial.” The committee focused more on “granular design” – how the new buildings would engage the street, how open they’d be to the public, what materials they’d use. The committee has never been involved in the “building siting” stage of the University’s designs.
The SUMA project has called for more action on the committee’s part.
“It’s surprising when you hear from several people in the neighborhood that they’re concerned.”
He feels that the IAC has a responsibility to the public to have those concerns heard and addressed. Last month, he and the committee asked the city to facilitate a meeting between the IAC and the University:
There has been an unprecedented interest in this project early on, and that interest centers around the proposed demolition of the Lee Center. The Lee Center is a treasured community and University asset and part of the 12th Avenue Arts District. It provides premium performance space that is not replicable by the soon-to-be acquired assets from Cornish. Even if those spaces are upgraded, it may be many years before that happens. There is also the chance that one of those spaces, at Seattle Center, will not be available for SU’s use as it is a union shop and SU is not.
The building is an architectural gem, and as an architect, I would say it is second in quality only to the Chapel and the new science building on the University’s campus.
Demolishing a perfectly functional and very high-quality building is contrary to the stewardship and environmental ethos of the University and to those of the community and City, and is contrary to the language and goals of the Master Plan. The renovated building is less than 20 years old and in good condition.
The theater’s scene shop and other spaces could prove to be excellent shared facilities with the new museum’s presentation and preparatory spaces, creating an opportunity for a constructive adaptive use of the facility that could help mitigate costs of the new museum by not needing to replicate those spaces, benefitting both facilities and creating a ‘Seattle University Center for the Arts.’
The Lee Center is an important member of the city-established Capitol Hill Arts District, a coalition of arts groups who are leading the effort to galvanize the arts in the community. Along with neighboring arts institutions like the Photo Center NW, NW Film Forum, 12th Ave Arts and SAAS, these groups form the spine of the district along 12th.
Feit hopes that the community, faculty, staff, students, and people who live in the neighborhood will attend this meeting and voice their perspectives.
“They’re the ones most impacted by this. Any actions we do take as a committee would be bolstered by a vigorous community engagement [at this meeting].”
Feit says that the committee will need to educate itself about city processes as they figure out what actions are available to them. They have not yet planned how they’ll engage with the University. But he has two goals: advocate for thoughtful reuse of the Lee Center and get more transparency from Seattle U.
He is not opposed to the museum itself. “Everyone’s very excited and wishes for great success for the project”.
“The museum will be a great addition to the city.”
But, as a former architect, he wonders if there may be a way to incorporate the Lee Center into the new building.
“Demolishing it seems short sighted,” he said. “[The building has] valuable assets that are rewarding to the performing arts community, but could also be valuable to the museum itself.”
He hopes for some “symbiosis” between the museum and the performing arts center that could lower the museum’s cost, allowing the university to avoid rebuilding facilities the Lee Center may already have, while preserving the Lee Center spaces that students and faculty love.
Besides the loss of that space, Seattle U students and faculty are frustrated about how they found out about the decision to get rid of it. They claim that higher administration and the board made the call with “absolutely no input from us, the experts of performance spaces, and professionals in our Seattle arts community.”
Feit hears those complaints and has his own questions about how Seattle U has talked about the development process.
“They’ve made shockingly quick progress since November,” he said.
That’s when, during their annual meeting with the University, the IAC formally heard about the SUMA project for the first time.
“They gave the committee the impression that they weren’t very far along in the process.” Feit thought it’d be 6-9 months before there was anything material to discuss.
But then came Seattle U’s announcement that unveiled an already-designed building that would replace the Lee Center.
CHS reported here on the plans last month. The new museum will be designed by Tom Kundig of Seattle’s Olson Kundig and Sellen Construction will serve as the contractor. Two years of construction are planned with a grand opening slated for fall of 2028.
“It left myself as well as several other committee members just scratching our heads,” Feit said.
“It would have been nice if the University would have shared other options earlier,” he said. It’d have been more “in the spirit of building a partnership with the community” for Seattle U to have talked with the public before going too far down this road.
It’s that spirit of partnership that the IAC is meant to advocate for. They don’t have official say on whether Seattle U’s plans can move forward. Feit is fine with that: “It would be strange and not appropriate [for the IAC interfere with the museum’s progress]. It’s not up to the public to say they can or cannot build these buildings.”
But a push for open communication and due consideration of the Lee Center’s value is on the menu. Community members who would like to learn more about the plans or share their feedback are welcome at the April 22nd meeting. It will run from 6 PM to 8 PM in Seattle University’s Admissions & Alumni Building. You can learn more about the IAC here.
$5 A MONTH TO HELP KEEP CHS PAYWALL-FREE THIS SPRING
🌈🐣🌼🌷🌱🌳🌾🍀🍃🦔🐇🐝🐑🌞🌻
Subscribe to CHS to help us hire writers and photographers to cover the neighborhood. CHS is a pay what you can community news site with no required sign-in or paywall. To stay that way, we need you.
Become a subscriber to help us cover the neighborhood for $5 a month — or choose your level of support 👍
Related
Seattle, WA
Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ $31 million first-round pick
Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ $31 million first-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It appears that Cleveland Browns star Defensive end Myles Garrett isn’t the only defender the Seattle Seahawks are interested in acquiring this offseason.
Advertisement
Seahawks Forever’s Dan Veins also reported that the 2026 Super Bowl winners have their sights set on the New York Giants’ 2022 first-round pick (No. 5 overall pick).
“I don’t know who John (Harbaugh) spoke with in the Giants front office, but (Kayvon) Thibodeaux is a serious trade target,” Veins noted Friday.
With trade chatter surrounding Thibodeaux intensifying lately, the Seahawks’ rumored interest in the Oregon product could have come at a better time.
Thibodeaux has struggled mightily to terrorize opposing quarterbacks the past two seasons, with the 25-year-old reaching a new low with the Giants in 2025-26 (he ended the year with 13 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, zero forced fumbles, and an unimpressive 66 overall PFF grade.
Advertisement
Although the Giants don’t seem to be in a rush to wash their hands of Thibodeaux, the South Los Angeles, California native’s inability to remain healthy and rush the passer adequately could motivate the franchise to accelerate the trade process.
Of course, Garrett is undoubtedly a more captivating prize for a Seahawks squad looking to defend their Super Bowl title in 2026-27. However, Thibodeaux wouldn’t be the worst alternative, as he’s played elite-level football in the past and is capable of being a high-impact defender on a regular basis.
For that reason, it isn’t preposterous for Seattle to pursue him as their offseason continues to take shape.
More NFL: Seahawks interested in trading for Browns’ historic $160 million two-time DPOY, per report
(Friday night, off Harbor Avenue; WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
Happy Saturday! First, a transportation note:
WATER TAXI’S NEW SCHEDULE: The spring/summer schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi starts today, including extra weekend daytime runs, and later night runs on Saturdays (starting tonight) and Fridays (starting next Friday), as previewed here.
Now the other Saturday highlights, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run – kicking off the second day of 16th-anniversary weekend (see below).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your weekend, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
SCHMITZ PARK IVY PULL: Join Schmitz Park Creek Restore, A Cleaner Alki, others to help save the park’s trees by pulling invasive ivy, 9:30-11:30 am. (56th SW and SW Spokane)
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER CELEBRATES 16 YEARS: Second day of anniversary weekend, open 10 am to 5 pm – “discounts, raffle drawings, Hawthorne Chair massage, Lake Washington PT and Hidef PT on site at various times during the weekend. Call ahead for specific questions on scheduling: 206-938-0545.” (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)
DONATION DRIVE FOR FARMWORKERS: Plant starts, tools, supplies needed for community garden – dropoff donation drive 10 am-1 pm today and tomorrow at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: Spring open house 10 am-2 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), featuring bees, books, and a new grower!
COMPOST GIVEAWAY: 10 am to 2 pm or while it lasts, bring your own bucket/shovel to Westcrest Park P-Patch (9000 8th SW) for free compost, as previewed here.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, new Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
DAHLIA TUBER SALE: 10 am-3 pm, prolific gardener’s overflow for sale. (4557 51st Place SW)
SINGALONG BRUNCH SOLD OUT: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – today, Taylor Swift edition, and it’s sold out. Table Reservation for future dates includes a Brunch Buffet! (2306 California SW)
GAME ON FOR KIDS! NAT’L BOARD GAME DAY: Kids are invited to celebrate by playing games at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am-3:30 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group resumes today – details including location are in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Second one of the season! 11 am, leaving from the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens).
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm, no appointment needed, with United Way and West Seattle Food Bank at WS Community Resource Center (6516 35th SW).
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN HAIRCUTS: 11 am-3 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Little Shop of Hairdos is cutting hair for 50+ at whatever price they can pay, no appointment necessary, proceeds donated to the center.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
COMMUNITY NOTARY DAY: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), no registration required.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), singer-songwriter John Shaw. Free, all ages.
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: First weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)
MUSIC AT KENYON HALL Feral Songwriters in the Round at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm, all ages.
CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT: 7:30 pm at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau), renowned guitarist Michael Partington will present music by Portland (OR) composer Bryan Johanson to celebrate his 75th year,
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Pale People, Henry Mansfield, Cats with Bowties, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT TIM’S: Far Reaches, The Unsundered, Guilded Lilly at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
SKATE PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Sing with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, where listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit his first home run of the season and drove in three runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 9-6 on Friday night to snap a five-game losing streak.
Seattle Mariners 9, Houston Astros 6: Box Score
Houston, meanwhile, dropped its fifth straight game and sixth out of seven.
With the game tied 3-3 in the fifth inning, Arozarena turned on an elevated fastball from Houston reliever Ryan Weiss (0-1) and hit it to left field for a two-run shot. It traveled 426 feet, and was Arozarena’s first regular-season home run since Sept. 9.
Seattle increased its advantage with a four-run seventh inning, which included a run-scoring double by Dominic Canzone and an RBI single by J.P. Crawford. It was the first run Crawford drove in this season after starting the year injured.
The Mariners took their first lead of the game in the opening inning as Astros starter Tatsuya Imai struggled to find the strike zone. Imai, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, made it through just one-third of an inning against Seattle.
Houston had two big innings against Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (2-1) and the rest of Seattle’s bullpen. Astros catcher Christian Vázquez, who slotted into the No. 9 hole in the lineup, hit a two-out, bases-loaded double off Hancock that scored three runs. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez added a three-run home run in the eighth inning off right-hander Cole Wilcox.
Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz walked two hitters and allowed the tying run to come to the plate, but induced a game-ending groundout by Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña to secure his first save of the season.
Up next
Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (0-0, 2.79 ERA) faces Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 3.27) on Saturday in the second game of the four-game series.
More on the Seattle Mariners
• Seattle Mariners prospect Anderson dazzles again in 2nd pro start
• Salk: Two things about struggling Mariners are true at once
• Three encouraging things MLB insiders said about the Seattle Mariners
• Ex-Mariners OF called up by Astros before series in Seattle
• Brendan Donovan working through ‘growing pains’ at 3B
Illinois eyeing an unconventional transfer portal replacement for Keaton Wagler
Where to watch Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers: TV channel, start time, streaming for April 12
McKenna Woliczko ‘just as excited’ to join Iowa women’s basketball as before
Person stabbed to death in downtown Kansas City Sunday morning: KCPD
Ohio State Transfer Andrija Jelavic Brings Kentucky Experience and Croatian Roots to Columbus
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Carney casts himself as NATO defender amid Trump beef, despite Canada missing key benchmark for decades
‘Enough of war!’ says Pope Leo XIV who grows increasingly frustrated
Artemis II splashdown captures nationwide attention
Video: Police Fatally Shoot Man After Stabbings at Grand Central Subway Station
Trump blasts Spanberger ahead of Virginia meetings, says state faces tax base exodus like New York, California
-
Atlanta, GA1 week ago1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say
-
Georgia5 days agoGeorgia House Special Runoff Election 2026 Live Results
-
Pennsylvania6 days agoParents charged after toddler injured by wolf at Pennsylvania zoo
-
Arkansas2 days agoArkansas TV meteorologist Melinda Mayo retires after nearly four decades on air
-
Milwaukee, WI6 days agoPotawatomi Casino Hotel evacuated after fire breaks out in rooftop HVAC system
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoFighting Illini begin Final Four preparations in Indianapolis
-
Technology1 week agoAnthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude by making subscribers pay extra
-
Austin, TX4 days agoABC Kite Fest Returns to Austin for Annual Celebration – Austin Today