HomeMy WebLinkAboutPN_AlMahdiNarrative_251001_v3PROJECT NARRATIVE & RESPONSES TO CITY
QUESTIONS
Project Name: Al-Mahdi Society Community Center
Site Address: 200 SW 41st St, Renton, WA 98057 (Suites 102, 103, 201, and 202)
Zoning: CA (Commercial Arterial)
Current Use: Existing commercial suites (previously used for office/medical)
Proposed Use: Multi-purpose community center
Project Overview
The Al-Mahdi Society of Washington respectfully requests a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow the
operation of a multi-purpose community center within four existing commercial suites at 200 SW 41st
St. The project will create a vibrant, community-serving facility offering educational, youth, and social
programming for local residents and families in a non-profit setting, with occasional prayer gatherings
as part of its community use. The center’s primary activities will include youth development programs,
tutoring sessions, community service initiatives, assisting community members with housing resources,
and collaborating with the City to find shelter and social service solutions. Programming will primarily
occur during evenings and weekends, minimizing potential impacts on other tenants and daytime
business activities. There are no changes proposed to the physical configuration of the suites
themselves. These are the suites we will be occupying: 201 & 202, 103, and 102.
Use and Occupancy Details
a. Expected Average and Maximum Attendance
• Classes/Support Services (Suites 201 & 202): Average 20–30 participants; maximum 40 at peak
sessions.
• Youth and Community Programs (Suites 201 & 202): Average 30–40 participants; maximum 50 on
special occasions.
• Occasional Prayer Gatherings: Typically under 40 participants; may reach 50 on special occasions.
b. Large Gatherings (Up to 100 People)
We may host larger gatherings up to four times per year for major community events with attendance
potentially reaching 100 people. These will be coordinated in advance, with rideshare services,
carpooling, and family attendance together strongly encouraged to reduce parking demand.
c. Seating and Layout
Temporary chairs and flexible layouts will be used for larger events in Suites 201 & 202. A preliminary
seating/layout diagram is attached, showing rows of chairs with open egress aisles. All layouts will
comply with applicable fire and building codes.
Parking Information
a. Designated Parking Stalls
No permanently reserved parking stalls are held for the Al-Mahdi Society. Because programming is
scheduled primarily after normal business hours, the entire lot is typically available for attendees.
b. Overflow Parking for Large Events
For events over 50 attendees, we will encourage carpooling, family attendance together, and rideshare
services to reduce parking demand.
c. Parking Agreements with Adjacent Properties
At this time, no formal parking agreements exist with adjacent property owners.
d. Bicycle Parking
The site currently has no bicycle racks.
Building Modifications
No new exterior construction or significant building modifications are proposed. Any interior changes
will be minor, non-structural, and low-impact. These may include interior painting, lighting upgrades,
installation of shelving or whiteboards, hanging staff information boards, or the reconfiguration of
non-load-bearing partitions to allow flexible classroom use. These improvements are reversible and will
not affect the building structure, exterior, site circulation, or parking. The facility will continue to operate
fully within the existing building footprint.
Community Benefit and Low-Impact Design
The Al-Mahdi Society Community Center is envisioned as a low-impact, neighborhood-oriented facility.
By making use of existing commercial space, the project strengthens Renton’s commitment to adaptive
reuse and efficient use of built environments. The proposed use supports the City’s goals of enhancing
community services, expanding educational and youth opportunities, assisting with housing resources,
and creating safe, accessible places for residents to gather.