HomeMy WebLinkAbout112916_200 Mill Avenue_redevelopment plans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2016
City of Renton Contacts
Cliff Long, Economic Development Director, 425-430-6591
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City of Renton enters negotiations to redevelop former city hall site
3.79 acre parcel offers unique opportunity to link downtown with Cedar River and Liberty Park
Renton, WA – The city has selected Winson Investment of Bellevue to negotiate the possible redevelopment of
200 Mill Avenue South, the site that was formerly City Hall. Located along the Cedar River and next to the iconic
Renton Library, the site provides a unique opportunity to link the downtown business district with the river and
Liberty Park. An international school, senior housing, outdoor civic plaza, and riverfront park are some of the
components of a development plan for the property.
“The former city hall sits right in the middle of several recognizable Renton landmarks,” said Mayor Denis Law.
“It’s a valuable property with enormous potential and we want it to become a destination that enhances the
city.”
The city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit development options for the site after determining the
former city hall building would require significant maintenance and structural upgrades. Studies have estimated
these costs at more than $10 million in addition to the costs of on-going annual building operations and
improvements of approximately $1.8 million made during the past four years. Winson Investment, one of two
firms that responded to the RFP, was chosen following team interviews and extensive deliberation by a review
committee.
“Given the high costs of upgrading the building and ongoing maintenance, it was important to eliminate the
operating losses and find a better use for the site that would also include public benefits,” said Mayor Law.” This
proposal does that and allows us to create better public access to the river.”
“Winson provided us with a very strong proposal and scored strongly in all of the selection criteria,” said City
Council President Randy Corman, who served on the review committee.” “We are excited to continue our
negotiations with them.”
In addition to an International School, 10-story adult/senior housing complex, the outdoor civic plaza and a
riverfront park, the plan includes educational facilities, community meeting space, a gymnasium/theater, retail
shops, a 340-stall below ground parking garage, and a restaurant with a view of the river. The school will initially
enroll up to 500 students in grades 6-12, with many living in an 11-story dormitory.
Winson Investment has proposed paying approximately $7 million, slightly more than the projected value. The
total includes $4 million cash, plus the value of public improvements at cost, estimated at approximately $3
million. Its development timeline for a three-phase project includes two alternative schedules over the next 4-5
years, dependent upon the status of existing tenant leases. The city hopes to have a signed negotiating
agreement Winson Investment by the end of the year.
“Winson’s team brings world class development experience to Renton and their proposal aligns with our vision
for the site,” said Mayor Law. “This project will be the catalyst for further development in downtown while
providing a much needed connection to the Cedar River and areas beyond the downtown business core.”
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 101,300 (2016), is located on the southeast shore of Lake
Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business
climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their
families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and
the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found at rentonwa.gov.
About the Winson Investment
Bellevue-based Winson Investment will serve as the developer and owner of the site and all improvements. Its
design team is comprised of Bellevue-based BDCL Design International and Portland-based V3 Studio (master
plan and public improvement); Seattle-based Rolluda Architects (school and community learning center
components); and Seattle-based SAGE Architectural Alliance (senior housing component). Seattle-based MarPac
Construction will serve as the general contractor.