Last week Seattle Center Arena’s FEIS was released and none of the volunteer writers at this site stepped up to cover it extensively. I suspect that many of them (like me) are tired of covering politics and construction process given that we started this whole thing talking about fun stuff like basketball, Hockey and our community of fans.
The political conversation has been born of necessity, each of us reaching the inevitable conclusion that we couldn’t talk about teams until our region built a world class arena capable of housing the NBA, NHL and other forms of live entertainment. The arena was the vexing riddle that had to be solved before anything else could move forward so we adapted to that reality and became champions of building an arena, the most critical step necessary to someday bring back the Sonics.
It’s proven to be harder than anyone really imagined, as demonstrated by the fact that so many powerful people have tried and failed. Behind the scenes right now there is an army at work resolving the final building details, planning and communicating construction schedules, coordinating those schedules with neighborhood interests and planning the 2 year shutdown of one of Seattle’s busiest public buildings. A separate army of folks is planning for the launch of a new $600 million dollar NHL franchise and far away from all that action even more smart people are working hard to leverage this opportunity for an unprecedented impact within the industries of sports and entertainment, including the acquisition of an NBA team. Somewhere in all that chaos people are trying to make sure that Oct. 5 is a special moment for Sonics fans.
I’m finding myself pretty emotional about the fact that we are sitting just 2 weeks out of “shovel ready” and 10 weeks away from “Steel in the ground.” At that point the ball will be passed to the paid professionals and “sports advocates” like myself and the other writers on the site will have the opportunity to step away and just be sports fans again.
While I’m excited to cover fun aspects of the building (crazy that the dual scoreboards have made it this far in the design process. is that groundbreaking or insane?) it is my hope that the days of covering council process and city politics are mostly behind us. As the stories transition to things like local ownership, practice facilities, names, colors and logos we’ll step into that role just in time to save what remains of our sanity.
I think having the Seattle Center politics behind us will also be good news for Chris Hansen and his Sodo team. It will allow them to step back from the spectacle and drama that has come to surround their effort and, given current circumstance they will benefit from and seem to be actively pursuing, a quieter process out of the public eye unless and until they find an NBA franchise opportunity to re-ignite the conversation and move forward with a 2 arena scenario. If that happens I’m sure we will all be more than happy to cover construction one last time.
I hope that any individual or group considering last minute delay tactics will understand how hard this is, how close we are and how much it means to so many people.
- We want Hockey in 2020! (and what a great message that sends to the NBA!)
- Relocated tenants like the Storm and other Seattle Center resident organizations deserve to know exactly how long they will be homeless.
- The city of Seattle shouldn’t have to sit on an empty building waiting to resolve administrative concerns.
- Local businesses and restaurants shouldn’t be at risk of pushing the excavation schedule into the summer vacation season.
- The writers (and I suspect readers) on this site are ready to move on from land use stories. As fans we deserve to move on and get back to the fun stuff.
Comments
Walkaway Time?
In 2005, after standing at a podium with Chris Hansen, Dow Constantine and Mike McGinn to celebrate mutual agreement of an arena funding package I drafted a letter walking away "victorious" and wishing Chris, Dow and Mike great success in their effort to finalize details with city council and building the arena. At the last minute I changed it and instead wrote an article vowing to support them until a building was built. That was 6 years ago, just before a 5 month fight with council the Mariners and the Port.
I think this time is different. We’re going to build the building.
By Brian Robinson on 09.02.18 9:06am
Wow, thanks Brian. I sure hope you're right about this timeline staying on track
"I hope that any individual or group considering last minute delay tactics will understand how hard this is, how close we are and how much it means to so many people." That’s a pretty big hope. Sounds like there are there are some groups lurking that are trying to delay this thing. My main concern is that kind of chatter getting to the city council, much like the "no street vacation people", and the council will flinch on full approval; instead electing to wait and ask for another study or something.
Not saying it’s likely, I’m just not preparing myself mentally/emotionally for this thing to get going in exactly 10 weeks. You are more knowledgeable than I so I hope your educated assessment is accurate
By 206er on 09.02.18 10:25am
They aren't going to delay it
By gstommylee on 09.02.18 3:56pm
groups certainly can
I’m just hoping they won’t. I’m not worried about Chris himself but if anyone on his team, enthusiastic supporters or someone else completely decides to take legal action that will be a bummer.
There is a big difference between having an opinion, being vocal about that opinion and suing to block other peoples actions. You cant say "I support hockey fans and the NHL franchise" and then sign your name to a lawsuit that blocks them, even if for just a few weeks.
Its a story I hope this site doesn’t have to cover. I’m ready to move on to beer. cupcakes and T shirts.
By Brian Robinson on 09.02.18 11:11am
Well now that you've said it it's just a matter of time before that turd drops in the punch bowl.
Jinxes dude, jinxes
By sofa-king on 09.02.18 12:20pm
seriously
I’ve bounced back and forth about saying anything but, as mentioned, very emotional about this. I just want to be under construction so badly.
I think there is some perspective to consider. this isn’t just about wanting one location or the other. at this point lots of people are working really hard and invested in this. so close…..
By Brian Robinson on 09.02.18 12:30pm
Under what legal grounds do they have to block
it they can’t declare it must be public and must study alternate sites. This is a renovation of an existanting build. they can’t just pick some other site to do the renovation on.
By gstommylee on 09.02.18 3:57pm
Isnt it more like 6 weeks?
until shovels hit the ground? I thought they are scheduled to begin demo after the NBA preseason game.
By seafan12 on 09.02.18 11:18am
dude you are right
Its going do fast my brain cant process. I added a whole extra month because it doesn’t seem real.
By Brian Robinson on 09.02.18 11:20am
The seattle city council is a fickle beast
As we know that can make or crush dreams with a single vote. I’m guessing it’ll pass, but if the little birdies get in their ears and start talking about "congestion" or "construction noise" or an outright distaste for major professional sports, I wouldn’t put anything by them. I’m not certain of anything. When’s the vote? 9/14 or 9/17 or something? That’s what I’m focused on right now.
Looking beyond, it actually hadn’t even occurred to me that Chris Hansen or any SODO investor might organize legal opposition. I agree, that would be disgusting. I had assumed it would be some kind of Queen Anne neighborhood alliance that would appeal the project, if anyone did. I’m not sure what variables those groups would need to introduce in order to block/delay.
Brian, you’re usually so cautious and definitely know your stuff. I love to see your passion and excitement!
By 206er on 09.02.18 5:33pm
Neighborhood Support
Uptown supports the redevelopment of the Seattle Center Arena.
By Sixth Man on 09.02.18 5:46pm
Uptown
Didn’t one of their reps cry at an arena committee meeting?
By seafan12 on 09.02.18 6:05pm
Yeah, that was what I remember, too
That person didn’t want their quaint and quiet neighborhood turned into a bustling city. (sarcastic font). I think that’s actually why tears were shed. This is why I assumed some groups were against it.
Thanks Sixth Man! Glad to know the official stance is in favor.
By 206er on 09.02.18 10:03pm
Actually...
…there were no tears nor were th remarks about NIMBYism. [ ] strongly disagreed with a comment from a council member concerning the allocation of community benefits. This issue is being negotiated via the transaction documents.
Uptown and their north downtown neighbors were hoping to see the community benefits invested in their communities as they are pegged to host the brunt of arena related impacts. Precedent was established with the SODO stadia where a foundation was formed for the benefit of the Pioneer Square and C-ID neighborhoods. Because our Council is now geographically districted, members want to see those benefits allocated to each district.
Both points are valid.
By Sixth Man on 09.06.18 11:02am
He could try to sue and try to FORCE them to study other site again
but agian its a renovation of an existing building you can’t just put it somewhere else.
By gstommylee on 09.02.18 6:35pm
God I hope not
I saw a tweet that said "if Hansen sues the optics would be bad."
not bad optics, bad behaviour. hes been consistent that he wouldn’t sue before and I dont expect it of him now.
man I cant wait until this is behind us. even the worry about the potential of it is divisive.
By Brian Robinson on 09.02.18 9:44pm
To be honest
i don’t think anyone can really stop it from happening perhaps delay it a couple months but can’t stop it. I just don’t see how you can require it to have alternate site reviews for a renovation of an existing building.
Plus the city/OVG can just attach sodo arena FEIS to it and call it good if they want to get even with hansen.
By gstommylee on 09.02.18 9:52pm
Didn't the SODO EIS study the Seattle Center site?
As part of the SODO "alternative sites" requirement within that EIS. IF IF IF Hansen or other groups call for an investigation of other sites for the OVG Seattle Center renovation, perhaps the prior arena EIS from SODO would contain data that could expedite or bypass that process of reviewing alternative sites.
Please Chris Hansen. If shovels are in the ground and the Seattle Center arena goes through, develop your SODO land into condos and shopping malls. Make a lot of money. Most importantly stay out of the way.
By 206er on 09.02.18 10:10pm
Yea it did
Hansen can call of other sites but again its a renovation. Any site review must be within the scope of the project which is renovating Key arena.
By gstommylee on 09.02.18 10:14pm
Well good
Then I guess the only grounds upon which a group can appeal the FEIS is traffic and noise mitigation during construction, which it sounds like Tim is already navigating. Man, I can’t wait for this vote to take place.
By 206er on 09.03.18 9:06am
Entertainment district
I don’t understand why Hansen can’t go forward with his entertainment district he was planning regardless of an arena? With concerts, trade shows and sports, there are always events down there.
By seafan12 on 09.03.18 10:56am
agreed
He can still develop the "LA Live" style shops, ESPN-Zone, clubs, etc. With events and Safeco and CLink he’d have plenty of opportunity for a complext catered to sports fans. If he can offer parking (he owns SO much land) it would draw people all year round.
That’s what I’m saying. Chris, buddy, please continue to make billions of dollars. Get a mean return on your SODO land investment. This is a great opportunity. While you’re at it please don’t get in OVG’s way.
By 206er on 09.03.18 8:49pm
He's going to sit there
and do nothing with that land for who knows how many more years.
By gstommylee on 09.03.18 9:51pm
Economic Development zones...
One lesser known part of the 2017 federal tax bill is a massive incentive for developing and investing in areas that are designated (by state governors) as "economic development zones." All of Sodo, including CH’s property, is within land designated by governor Jay Inslee, as an economic development zone. The kicker: The tax provision applies to new investment. As I understand it, you have to acquire the property after the effective date of the provision. So none of CH’s property would quality under his ownership. I won’t bore you all with nuances of the tax provision, as it’s not important to this post. I’ll also be the first to say, i don’t really know for sure what this means. It’s a provision of the tax bill that many extremely wealthy people are planning around right now. I won’t bore you all with details but the provision is something that will create enormous investment and result in massive federal tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.
Anyway, i’ll cut to the chase. The reason i responded, tommy, with this nuance tax code information is simple. Chris Hansen’s property just became WAY more valuable… But i believe it only becomes more valuable if he sells it to an unrelated 3rd party. The tax provision has a limited life (4 years). Hansen’s group will have substantial pressure to sell within the next four years to realize the intrinsic value created by this tax provision. If he doesn’t, that value is gone and likely gone forever.
I know CH has said he will hold the property indefinitely and until an NBA team is acquired. But i really do think this provision of the tax code could change that thinking. If he sufficiently believes an NBA team can be had at the revamped Key Arena, he will have massive economic incentive to sell.
By ksmith1984 on 09.03.18 11:53pm
If anyone cares....
History:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesdigitalcovers/2018/07/17/an-unlikely-group-of-billionaires-and-politicians-has-created-the-most-unbelievable-tax-break-ever/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2018/06/28/now-is-the-time-to-invest-in-distressed-communities-across-america/#4e7fa20e3ae4
By ksmith1984 on 09.03.18 11:56pm