Lake City Community Center Redevelopment

September 2023 Update

Determination of Non-Significance (DNS)

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is proposing to demolish the existing Lake City Community Center. SPR has determined that it does not have probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with SPR. This information is available to the public on request.

This DNS is issued under 197-11-340(2); SPR will not act on this proposal for 14 days from date of publication (September 14, 2023). Written comments must be submitted by Thursday September 28, 2023. Questions and/or comments can be sent to David Graves at david.graves@seatte.gov. The appeal period ends October 5, 2023

Download the DNS document for additional information.

About

Lake City Community Center closed after being significantly damaged by a fire. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) understands the importance of programming and services that this center provides the community. SPR has been working hard to relocate services in tandem with planning for a new Lake City Community Center facility. 

Status and Next Steps on Providing of Recreation Programming and Services

• SPR will continue to support planned summer community special events in 2023.
• Sound Generations (https://soundgenerations.org/) programs were relocated to Lamb of God Lutheran Church, a nearby church.
• SPR will host a Summer Food Service/Summer Playground program at Little Brook Park, 14043 32nd Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125
• Mobile Recreation will have weekly visits to Virgil Flaim (Lake City Farmers Market), Lake City Court/Seattle Housing Authority and Childrens Home Society.
• SPR is exploring opportunities to creatively serve the community’s recreation needs with the support of nearby facilities and through expanded outdoor activations and programs (leveraging the community center operations budget).
• Check the websites for other program updates https://www.seattle.gov/parks/all-community-centers/lake-city-community-center

Status and Next Steps on Current Lake City Community Center Facility

• Seattle Fire Dept. (SFD) completed their investigation and SPR has secured the site.
• Due to the extent of the damage, SPR is proceeding with demolition. An architectural consulting firm is under contract for demolition design, hazardous materials tests and permits.
• SPR explored interim use of the space once the building is demolished but due to code requirements the building site will be hydroseeded for temporary erosion and sediment control and fenced.

Status and Next Steps on the Community Center Redevelopment Project

• The Office of Housing (OH) and SPR are now working to finalize a Request for Proposals (RFP) related to the new Community Center/Affordable Housing co-location project with the intent to issue the RFP to secure an affordable housing developer in the fall.
• SPR plans to convene a project advisory team for the community center project by the end of Summer 2023 to help guide the project and begin the public engagement process.
• By the end of 2023, following the proposal review process, the City will finalize the facility development approach.
• Early 2024, once a developer is on-board, public engagement related to the community center will continue concurrent with technical work related to the housing project and associated property agreements.
• OH and SPR anticipate construction starting in 2025.