HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish_Tribe_CommentsDUWAMISH TRIBE dxdəwabš
Feb 20, 2026
City of Renton
PR26-000012 LUA26-000048
Dear , Jill Ding
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the to
located at in
. We understand that the renovation includes approximately 120,000 square feet of interior renovation work
and expansion is approximately 79,520 square feet for the building addition. We further understand that 2 additions are
proposed. The east addition would include approximately 65,010 square feet with 3 stories with a height of
approximately fifty feet. The west addition would be limited to a third story addition with a total of 14,510 square feet
and a height increase to approximately fifty-eight feet. Parking would be provided via the existing surface parking lot
which includes 295 on-site stalls and 45 off-site stalls (located off-site to the south of the project site).
VMAC Renovation and Expansion
renovate and expand the existing Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC)12 Seahawks Way
Renton
Based on the information provided and our understanding of the project and its APE, the Duwamish Tribe note and
concur that is appropriate and will be in place to protect precontact cultural
resources. We are particularly concerned if any groundbreaking activity occurs below fill, topsoil or other impervious
surfaces into native soil. If there is new ground. This is an area that the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally significant
and has a probability to have unknown archaeological deposits. We note that there is at least ancestral
place names within about a mile of the project location. The DAHP WISAARD predictive model indicates that an
archaeological survey is for encountering cultural resources.
an inadvertent discovery plan
High 1
highly advised with a high risk
The Duwamish Tribe requests that if any archaeological work or monitoring is performed, we would like notification.
Cultural and archaeological resources are non-renewable and are best discovered prior to ground disturbance. The
Tribe would also like the opportunity to be present if or when an archaeologist is on site.
In addition, the Tribe strongly recommends only native vegetation be used for any proposed landscaping to enhance
habitat for fish and wildlife, and native avian life and native pollinators. The Tribe supports observing critical area tracts
and stream buffers to preserve any remaining wetlands and stream buffers. Loss of wetland habitat is known to affect
the viability of fish, water quality and increase the effects of seasonal urban flooding.
The Tribe also requests that any permanent lighting associated with the project be to reduce light
pollution. Darkened skies were favorable conditions to practice traditional life pathways.
dark sky compliant
Thank you,
Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org
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