By Rayburn Lewis MD
Letter to the editor of the Medium:
As an outgoing member of the board of the Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority, this response to the Seattle Medium article of July 1, 2025, is written as a private citizen and is not intended to represent the official consensus of the board. In the article entitled “Eddie Rye Jr. advocates for Preservation of Seattle’s Historic SOIC Site,” the interviewees indicated that the McKinney Center for Community and Economic Development would be torn down. That assertion is not entirely true; however, it is an option that is in consideration. The historical legacy, sentimental and emotional value of the property is in the building. The long-term economic value and success is in the land upon which the building sits.
First, thanks to Mr. Rye, Mr. Evans and the entire committee along with the 37th district legislative team led by Representative Santos, who secured the property in 2018. This tangible and highly visible part of the legacy of Reverend McKinney was secured by their efforts. The office of the governor, and the legislature are to be congratulated and thanked for returning this property to the ownership of the Central District, and supporting it with operating and capital funds over the 5 years. The City of Seattle, Congressman Adam Smith, Amazon, UnionBank, local tribes, and many others have contributed to our attempts to improve and revitalize the property.
The key word is “attempt.” As part of the due diligence by the previous owner, Seattle Colleges, an engineering and market study revealed $30M in direct needed repairs and upgrades. Our own study done by Sazan Engineering under the direction of Benita Thomas’ Petrol Green Group revealed the same requirements, plus another $20 M in tenant improvement allowances to meet Class B building market standards. Over $50 million, in a building that is 50 years old, and does not have historic landmark designation. A building that was not designed for 21st century business, residential, or educational needs.
The market for commercial real estate has eroded drastically in the interim 7 years. What was once an owner’s market with near capacity occupancy is upside down. Vacancy rates are high, rents are discounted, defaults are more common. Unofficial opinions by real estate services predict that there is no scenario where the building becomes independent of government subsidies, grants, and philanthropy. Without handouts, we won’t be able to pay our bills because of the high cost of current utilities, labor, and maintenance, and the escalating cost of capital to modernize and bring the building up to current standards. An uncompromising commitment to rehab of the current building could result in failure to meet current and projected financial obligations. Losing the property, building and land, would be the likely result; an all too frequent theme for our community.
For many, the visible historical legacy of the building is most important. And justifiably so. I served as a medical director of two programs there and understand. All but one of the eight current members of the board of directors have at least 40 years of residing, volunteering, school, or work in the Central District. We are committed to success.
When it was designed and built, it was right for the times. Now, however, the economic value is in the soil upon which it sits. The right mission compatible partner, or lessee who develops this land with our input, could pay rent to us as long as we own the land, this typically as a 50-, 75-, or 99-year lease. And if done well, we could enjoy a new McKinney Center as part of a much larger development that fits the neighborhood. This is just one of many options that would result in additions to, substantial alteration of, or replacement of the current building.
But only if we are open to it. The board and our executive leadership need to hear from the part of the community that is now silent. Our Town Hall Meeting is Saturday, September 20, 11-1 pm, 2120 S. Jackson. Attend the meetings, run for the board, and make your voice heard. Retaining the entire property, building and land, is at stake.
