Seattle Central to request lease proposals for theater
Because of the wide-spread interest in renting the historic Egyptian Theatre, the Seattle Community Colleges District will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) within a month so all interested parties can submit their proposals.
“It is important that we not show any favoritism and also not leave out anyone who is interested,” said Jeff Keever, Seattle Central director of auxiliary services. More than a dozen groups or individuals have contacted the college about the facility since news broke that Landmark did not want to renew its lease.
“This is a great opportunity for the neighborhood and the college. I can’t wait to see what proposals are submitted.”
The RFP will be issued by the Seattle Community Colleges District office as they oversee all Seattle community colleges—Central, North, South and Seattle Vocational Institute. The notice will be posted in several publications with details on the scope and dimension required in submitting proposals. Tours of the facility for interested parties also will be arranged at that time.
The theatre is part of Seattle Central’s Fine Arts Building and classes and student support offices take up the majority of the space. The theatre has its own separate entrance so its closing will not affect any campus activities.
Almost since its inception, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) has used The Egyptian as part of its program and wants to preserve that tradition. “We have always had a good relationship with SIFF and hope that can continue,” Keever said. “The Egyptian Theatre name is attached to the theater so it will stay, as will the façade. New tenants will probably want to do some updating inside– although those details will be seen in the proposals.”
Contact:
Jeff Keever
Director, Auxiliary Services
Jeff.keever@seattlecolleges.edu