Showbox granted landmark status after months-long battle
Jul 18, 2019, 9:13 AM
Fliers for the Save the Showbox campaign. (KIRO Radio, Mike Lewis)
(KIRO Radio, Mike Lewis)
There were cheers and hugs Wednesday night after The Landmarks Preservation Board voted unanimously to grant the Showbox landmark status, specifically the exterior of the building and its main entry.
It also includes the second floor.
Judge rules against city’s “spot” zoning; Showbox future in doubt
This comes after a months-long effort to save the iconic theater from the wrecking ball, clearing a major milestone.
It was back in early June when the board agreed to move forward and get the theater designated as an official city landmark.
Among the people who packed that meeting were performers and Showbox workers, including one who read a statement from Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.
Showbox employee Shannon Welles called the venue “an icon in Seattle and an important player in the music ecosystem.”
The owners of the property want to build a 44-story residential tower, which matches the zoning set by the city council.
Property owners say redevelopment would generate at least $5 million for affordable housing.
The 1916 building was first used as a market.
It was renovated in 1939 and became the Showbox.
