TVSeattle Woodland Park Zoo WTO Committee . After 15 years of study, including seismic and building condition analyses for the Municipal, City Light and Public Safety Buildings, and review of acquisition, renovation and new construction alternatives, Mayor Norm Rice proposes the City acquire Key Tower for general government and utility use rather than renovate the existing buildings or build entirely new facilities. The City moves City Light employees into Key Tower under a 10-year lease that year. This analysis was supported by two independent citizen reviews. In August 1997 the City Council adopts the plan and the goals the civic center is intended to accomplish.
Staff begin developing implementation plans and schedules.
1998 brings a new administration into office and the 1997 Civic Center Plan is revisited. In the spring of 1998, with a strong real estate market bringing high prices for downtown office towers, Mayor Paul Schell proposes Key Tower and using the proceeds to build a new civic center complex, including an expanded Justice Center and a new City Hall. Move the Police West Precinct and 911 Communications Center into a new facility at City-owned property at Ninth and Lenora.