For the past year, news of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's plans to build its headquarters across from the Seattle Center has evoked excitement, curiosity and a little bit of trepidation in the community. Although most of us are aware of the global mission of the Gates Foundation, some are wondering, "What's in it for us?" and "How will this major construction project and influx of new people affect our daily lives?"
As a Queen Anne resident, I believe there are many benefits for our neighborhood. What better way to utilize some fallow space at the Seattle Center than to have an internationally focused foundation rooted there? According to Lisa Matchette, spokesperson for the Gates Foundation, "The Seattle Center, with its focus on the international community and roots in the 1962 World's Fair, is a good match with the foundation and our commitment to the global community through our mission and work."
There are outright financial benefits for our neighborhood, too. Employees and visitors will be able to use Queen Anne small businesses, restaurants and cafés. The foundation will bring in international grantees and partners for visits and meetings at the headquarters, and it is likely those guests will stay at the several hotels in Queen Anne that are within walking distance of the new campus. Additionally, Matchette says, "It is our hope the central location will encourage the 300 employees to use bus, bike or foot to get to work."
Many people in the neighborhood have genuine concerns about construction, noise and aesthetics, and the project team for the foundation will work with Seattle Center and the city as well as the neighbors and businesses that are affected to reduce disruptions. To help minimize the impact, the work will be done in several phases. For example, in 2007 construction of the 1,000 stall parking garage will begin, replacing the rather unattractive street level lot on Harrison Street and Fifth Avenue North. But this won't be just another parking garage. The street surface parking stalls will be enclosed with a lid, or "green roof," with plantings so the people of Queen Anne will have a visually appealing view. Once the garage is completed, probably in 2008, construction of the first two buildings will begin. Their projected opening is 2010.
These are exciting times for Queen Anne and an ideal time to learn more. The public is invited to hear presentations from the project team for the new Gates Foundation campus at the next meeting of the Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 19, at Best Western Executive Inn, 200 Taylor Ave. N. The Chamber event begins at 4:30 p.m. with no-host cocktails followed by dinner at 5:45 p.m. Reservations must be made by Oct. 17 either by calling the Chamber at 283-6876 or by registering online at www. qachamber.org. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for nonmembers.
Arlene Cherwin is a writer, editor and guest columnist for the Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce.
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