Last year, news began to spread that long-running Seattle venue The Showbox was in danger of closure. The Vancouver, B.C.-based Onni Group filed plans to build a 44-story tower with 442 residential units on the property at 1412 First Ave. Bands spoke out in an open letter, and Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant stopped by The Morning Show on KEXP with Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard. While the venue was temporarily saved by extending the Pike Place Market historical district to include The Showbox, the extension is due to expire in June.
Today, it was announced that a landmark nomination meeting has been set for Tuesday, June 4 at 5:30 PM.
Eugenia Woo, Director of Preservation Services at community-based organization Historic Seattle, said, “The June 5 Landmarks Preservation Board (LPB) meeting is the next step in the effort to save The Showbox. During the research process for the nomination, our team uncovered a trove of information about its architectural and cultural significance. We look forward to sharing more about this iconic place with the LPB during the nomination meeting and continuing to champion efforts to designate The Showbox as a City of Seattle landmark.”
She continued, “while landmarking offers protections for the physical elements of the property and not its use, this is a critical next step to save the building that houses The Showbox. We will also continue to push for additional use protections through policy. Ultimately, finding a Showbox-friendly buyer would be the best outcome.”
To support the nomination, interested individuals may submit public comments in writing to City Historic Preservation Officer Sarah Sodt by Thursday, May 30. Or attend the public meeting at City Hall on June 5 to provide comments in person.
In the meantime, the City of Seattle has announced a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, June 4 on a six-month extension of the interim expansion of the Pike Place Market Historic District to include The Showbox. Comments in support of this extension may be directed in writing to Councilmember Lisa Herbold by Monday, June 3 or presented at the public hearing on June 4 at 5:30 PM at the City Council Chambers in City Hall.
The Seattle City Council has extended the Pike Place historical district to cover The Showbox, saving it from demolition
Ben Gibbard, Mike McCready, Duff McKagan, and Macklemore lead a group of artists to help save The Showbox
Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant stop by The Morning Show with John Richards to discuss saving The Showbox.
A 44-story tower has been planned where this venue has stood for the past 79 years.
