A new Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) community center will be part of the proposed development at the properties located at Mercer St. and Dexter Ave. N. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, which was selected as the successful developer of the Mercer Properties, put forward a large package of public benefits which included a new community center.
SPR will design and operate the community center with the mission of providing the surrounding community with access to free or low-cost recreational activities, along with spaces for the community to gather.
“We are excited to take advantage of this incredible
opportunity to bring recreational programs to even more of Seattle’s communities.
Our community centers serve to support healthy people and build strong
communities. We are delighted to partner with the community to design and bring
life to a community center that furthers this mission,” said Jesús Aguirre,
Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.
The new 30,000-square-foot community center will be located onsite at the Mercer West Tower. Construction of the towers is set to begin in 2020-2021; during that time, SPR will commence a community engagement process to name and design the space.