OLYMPIA – Aug. 13, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to learn more about a new proposal for rehabilitating the Saint Edward Seminary in Kenmore.
Recently, Daniels Real Estate, a local development firm specializing in historic preservation projects, submitted to State Parks a new concept proposal for rehabilitating the seminary building. Representatives from the firm will present a summary of their proposal at a public workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Northshore Utility, 6830 NE 185th St., Kenmore. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/PZxgU)
Following the Daniels Real Estate presentation, State Parks staff will describe, from the agency’s perspective, what steps will be necessary for the proposal to move forward. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments and questions during this meeting.
Questions and comments will be brought to the State Parks Commission as they consider a one-year extension on a rehabilitation plan for the building at their next regular meeting on Sept. 10 in Spokane.
Last September, the State Parks Commission directed staff to explore options for rehabilitating the historic building. If no viable option was brought forward within a year from then, the Commission would direct staff to formally vacate the building. That deadline is coming up this September.
The public may also comment on this concept proposal by Sept. 3 if they wish to have their comments considered at the Sept. 10 Commission meeting. Comments and questions may be directed to Michael Hankinson, parks planner, at 360-902-8671 or michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.
About the Saint Edward Seminary building
The 90,000 square-foot building is part of Saint Edward State Park, a 316-acre day-use park with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. The park was once a Catholic boys school and seminary. For nearly four decades, the Saint Edward Seminary building sat mostly vacant and, over the years, fell into disrepair. During this time, numerous proposals and planning efforts have been considered but did not come to fruition because they were too costly, did not meet the State Parks’ mission, or were not viable for a number of reasons.
For more information about the park, visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/577/Saint-Edward.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Michael Hankinson, (360) 902-8671
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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