Published February 12 2015
The City Council on Monday previewed a feasibility study for the Tateuchi Center, a proposed 2,000-seat performing arts center in downtown Bellevue.
Steven Bronfenbrenner, a consultant hired by the city to conduct the study, concluded that with a change in the project's design -- replacing a cabaret with an education center -- as well as strong programming once the building is operational, Tateuchi Center could be financially feasible.
Since 2002, Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE), the non-profit organization that has led development efforts, has raised about $65 million for the project and spent $32.6 million in capital funds. Bronfenbrenner estimates approximately $138.4 million more needs to be raised to begin construction, the biggest challenge facing the project. The feasibility study also projects an annual operating deficit starting at $750,000 the first year, dropping to $250,000 in year five. Such a deficit is normal for performing arts centers nationwide, he said.
The City of Bellevue has been involved in the project since 2002 when it voted to endorse the proposal by PACE. In 2010, at PACE's request, the city committed $2 million to the effort in exchange for the project's design drawings and other commitments, and in 2014 the council included $1 million in potential funding in its current capital budget.
Also last year, the city signed a memorandum of understanding with PACE, agreeing to cooperate in considering options for the financing and operation of a performing arts center in Bellevue.
The council has not yet decided whether to commit any additional resources to the project. Further discussion about potential support is anticipated this spring. Councilmembers want to see a range of funding options, as well as the results of a study about the economic impact on the region's economy, at a meeting in late March or early April.
Background on Tateuchi Center is available online. More information can be found with the council agenda material.
East Link construction community outreach, station names
Also on Monday, Sound Transit staff presented information about preparing for East Link light rail construction, anticipated to begin in early 2016.
Topics included the future temporary closure of the South Bellevue Park & Ride, Sound Transit's community outreach and business relations program, and names under consideration for future light rail stations. The discussion was a follow-up to the council's January 26 meeting, which focused on the status of East Link mitigation measures.
The council is slated to discuss East Link again at its February 23 study session. More information on the Monday presentation is available online.