August 24, 2018 Monica Martinez Simmons Seattle City Clerk 600 4th Avenue, 3rd Floor Seattle, WA 98124 Dear Ms. Martinez Simmons, I have signed and am returning Council Bill 119330. This legislation will temporarily expand the boundaries of the Pike Place Market Historical District to include the Showbox as a “Study Area.” I strongly share the desire and support the City’s intent to explore opportunities to preserve the cultural heritage of the Showbox. I also understand the sense of urgency. Seattle has a long history of rallying behind spaces we love and spaces that reflect the soul of our community. I’ve heard from many music lovers in Seattle about how much the Showbox means to them. Over 100,000 people have expressed their support for saving the Showbox, by signing petitions and calling my office to express their hopes. From Pike Place Market to the Paramount to The Sanctuary, there are many buildings that continue to reflect our shared spirit, and I agree that the Showbox is one of these community anchors. Some places just capture who we are and what we want to preserve as we grow. As you know, City departments have been working with many stakeholders to set a mid-October timeline in order to allow Council an additional two months to weigh potential next steps. The accelerated action by Council cut short the due diligence and engagement of key neighbors, workers, businesses, preservationists, and others at Pike Place Market. This sort of engagement and discussion should inform any legislative action. Saving the Showbox will take a concerted effort from City leaders, businesses, arts advocates, neighborhood leaders, historic preservationists, and music lovers. This is best served by a thoughtful process that would involve all key stakeholders and consider the various pros and cons of proposed actions – including alternatives that could retain a music venue while generating much needed funding for affordable housing, or engaging with the music community to purchase the building. As important, Seattle is facing an affordability crisis, and we must explore ways to invest in affordable housing while preserving the places at the heart of Seattle’s culture and character. We need to ensure this action does not preclude some alternatives to keeping a music venue at the Showbox site and that it does not fail to ultimately save the Showbox. Office of the Mayor 600 Fourth Avenue, P.O. Box 94749, Seattle, WA 98124 206-684-4000 seattle.gov/mayor Monica Martinez-Simmons Letter re Showbox legislation August 24, 2018 Page 2 of 2 Ultimately, our goals are all the same: to save the Showbox. Truly saving the Showbox involves considering all options and tools at our disposal. I will direct leaders of City departments to work with all parties involved on an inclusive exploration of opportunities over the coming ten months. Also, we must embrace growth, make it work for the city, and provide more affordable housing everywhere in the city. These goals are not incompatible – if we use a thoughtful approach. Sincerely, Jenny A. Durkan Mayor of Seattle