Status/News

Project progress:

• Design presentations are scheduled for Feb. 2. Come learn more about the Blue Building Renovation project. Stop by anytime from 4 - 8 pm (design presentations are at 4:30 and 6:30 pm) in the Community Hall in the Phinney Neighborhood Center Brick Building.
• In July 2010, we hired Mithun, a national leader in sustainable design, to create the vision for the Blue Building renovations, including an elevator, new entryway, improved access from Phinney Avenue, ADA upgrades to restrooms and the classrooms, seismic upgrades and landscaping improvements.
• We repaired the main sewer line between the two buildings.
• We repaired the Brick Building roof, reusing 70% of the slate tiles. In the process we not only saved $50,000 over the estimated cost of replacing all of the tiles but also kept tons of tile out of the landfill.
• We installed a dual use burner in the Brick Building boiler which will allow us to use either biodiesel or natural gas.
• We purchased the site in February 2009

Fundraising Progress:

• $5 Million and counting! Over $700,000 raised from local foundations! More than 350 indiviudals have donated a total of $1 million so far.
• In July 2010, the advisory board of the Washington State Historical Society recommended full funding for a $1 million grant request we submitted. The request still needs approval from the Washington State Legislature and the Governor but this recommendation is very good news! Final decisions won't be made until spring 2011.
• CHALLENGE GRANT: An anonymous donor pledged a donation of $100,000 from his family foundation if we raised $50,000 by the end of June. Thanks to 47 households, we did it!
• $40,000 was raised to honor outgoing Executive Director Ed Medeiros