Serving Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919 www.QueenAnneNews.com
MARCH 11, 2026
Courtesy of Why For Good on behalf of Seattle Center
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eattle Center will enter negotiations with Space Needle LLC as its potential partner for the public-private redevelopment of the campus’ vital Thomas Street corridor following a recent request for proposals (RFP) process. The RFP for private investment was intended to complement planned public investment to improve the streetscape lighting, paving, and landscaping; strengthen the connection to surrounding neighborhoods; and create a welcoming experience – with an upgraded “Thomas Street Market” mix of retail and attractions – for Seattle Center’s busiest point of arrival which welcomes thousands of visitors each week. Proposers were invited to reimagine and redevelop the Thomas Street gateway site, the City-owned public space located near the intersection of Thomas St., 5th Ave., and Broad St., just steps from the Space Needle, MOPOP, Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Seattle Center Monorail station. Three proposals were received and evaluated by a panel consisting of Seattle Center staff (representing finance, planning, operations, and executive leadership) and community members including representatives from the Seattle Center advisory commission, construction partner Sellen, and Friends of Waterfront Seattle. Following review for responsiveness and minimum qualifications, one proposal – submitted by Space Needle LLC – met the RFP requirements and advanced for full evaluation. The panel based its selection on the proposers’ relevant expertise and demonstrated ability to execute their vision; the proposed financial return to Seattle Center; the quality of the redevelopment proposal; and compatibility with Seattle Center’s purpose and contribution to the mix of attractions at Seattle Center as part of its 10-year strategic vision for Seattle Center’s future.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE RFP
Enhancing Thomas Street – The project seeks to unify and improve Thomas Street, creating an engaging public space with complements Seattle Center’s mix of programs, attractions, and open spaces. New retail and other attractions should add energy and interest to the area while welcoming a diverse range of visitors. Long-Term Partnership & Revenue – The City of Seattle is looking for an experienced partner to design, build, operate, and maintain a new Thomas Street retail amenity and/or related attractions that will be financially sustainable and return annual revenue to Seattle Center. “This is a unique opportunity to strengthen Thomas Street as a vital gateway to Seattle Center,” said Diamatris Winston, Seattle Center interim director. “We are looking for partners who share our vision for a dynamic, welcoming space – one which connects to the surrounding neighborhoods, enhances the visitor experience, and reflects the public character of Seattle Center.” Seattle Center anticipates beginning next steps and negotiations by mid-year. Entering negotiations does not guarantee a final agreement; must meet Seattle Center’s financial, operational, and public benefit objectives; and will be subject to required City approvals.
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n Saturday, March 8, hundreds gathered in Seattle to mark International Women’s Day with the Seattle Women’s March, beginning with a rally at Cal Anderson Park. Despite cold temperatures and steady rain, the crowd filled the park with signs, umbrellas, and a shared determination to defend women’s rights and democratic values. The march was organized by a coalition of local advocacy groups including Laura Seattle Marie Indivisible, Rivera Defund Musk, Evergreen Resistance, Gender Justice League, National Organization for Women, and Troublemakers, along with several other organizations representing the diversity and activism of the Seattle area. Their collaboration reflected the wide range of issues motivating participants—from reproductive rights and gender justice to economic and political power. The rally featured a notable list of speakers, including Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Cherokee Nation
Despite the rain, hundreds of people show up for the Seattle Women’s March on Sunday. citizen Kimber Starr, reproductive rights advocate Jennifer Martinez, and Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans. Evans, who made history as the first Black woman and first person of color elected
as Seattle City Attorney in the more than 150 years since the position was created, delivered one of the rally’s most powerful
WOMEN’S DAY, 4
Seattle Mayor Proposes Legislation to Expand Shelter Capacity Staff Report
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eattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced a new legislative proposal Wednesday aimed at rapidly expanding shelter capacity across the city as part of a broader effort to address homelessness. Speaking at the Hope Factory facility in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, Wilson said she has
“City officials say the change would bring Seattle’s shelter capacity more in line with practices used in other major U.S. cities.” sent a package of legislation to the Seattle City Council that is intended to accelerate the creation of up to 1,000 new shelter and emergency housing units with supportive services. City officials say the proposal focuses on increasing the speed of shelter development, allowing successful shelter programs to expand their capacity, and allocating funding for additional housing and services designed to help people move indoors. “We’re moving faster than ever before, but I want to see the ground start breaking, the hammers start swinging, and fewer
people left to sleep in doorways and tents,” Wilson said. “That’s why I have transmitted legislation to City Council that will help us deliver on the goal of opening 1,000 new units of shelter with supportive services across the city this year.” Alongside the legislative proposal, the mayor also called on residents across Seattle to participate in volunteer efforts that support shelter expansion and service providers working with people experiencing homelessness.
PROPOSED CHANGES
The legislative package includes several policy changes intended to streamline the process of opening new shelters. One proposal would authorize the city’s Finance and Administrative Services Department to sign lease agreements directly with property owners. Supporters say that change would reduce delays in securing properties for shelters and allow the city to prepare sites more quickly before turning them over to service providers. Another proposal would increase the number of people who can be served at certain shelter sites. Current city rules limit most shelters to 100 residents. Under the mayor’s plan, the limit could be raised to 150 people at existing facilities. In some cases, one location in each city council district could potentially serve up to 250 people.
CITY OF SEATTLE, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Project Aims to Enhance Seattle Center’s Thomas Street with Upgraded Retail & Attractions
A March, A Message, A Movement: Seattle Marks International Women’s Day
CHRISTOPHER SANDERS
Seattle Center Advances Thomas Street Gateway Public-Private Redevelopment Project
VOL. 107, NO. 11
City officials say the change would bring Seattle’s shelter capacity more in line with practices used in other major U.S. cities.
assistance, treatment programs and other support systems.
The legislation also identifies $4.8 million in funding that could be redirected from existing city programs to support shelter development and related services. According to city officials, $3.3 million would come from an underused revolving loan program that had previously been difficult to deploy. Another $1.5 million would come from the Downtown Health and Human Services Fund, a program created in the 1990s that has not been used in recent years. Those funds would help support shelter operations as well as services designed to connect residents with housing
Several local leaders and service organizations participated in the announcement event. Rob Saka said expanding shelter options is necessary to respond to the scale of the city’s homelessness crisis. “Seattle urgently needs more shelter capacity to meet the scale of our homelessness crisis,” Saka said, noting that he recently toured the Hope Factory facility where tiny homes are built for village-style shelter programs. Bob Kettle also voiced support for increasing shelter capacity, calling the proposal an important step in addressing
FUNDING FOR SHELTER EXPANSION
SUPPORT FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
SHELTER, 4