Seattle Center Receives $3-Mil Gift for Pavilion

SEATTLE-Fisher Communications Inc., owner of the local ABC affiliate, has paid $3 million to have its name on a new festival pavilion at Seattle Center, a 74-acre urban entertainment complex that includes the famous Space Needle.

Fisher Pavilion will be located in the heart of Seattle Center and feature a rooftop plaza, spacious performing space, two acres of gardens and grass, and a prominent clock tower.

The project is the result of a successful public/private partnership that began in 1999 when voters approved a levy that provided $7 million. The $3 million gift by Fisher Communications helps round out the financing.

Construction begins in September 2001. A grand opening in time for the annual Bumbershoot festival in August 2002. Fisher pavilion will replace the Flag Pavilion, built 39 years ago as a temporary, six-month installment for the1962 World’s Fair.

Designed by award-winning architects, The Miller/Hull Partnership, the Fisher Pavilion design is a 24,000-sf facility built into the existing site’s natural slope with an expansive open plaza on top. Inside, 14,000 sf will be available for performances and events. Adjacent to Fisher Pavilion will be another new facility providing ample public restrooms. A new Clock Tower, still under design, will mark the southeast corner of the site.

The Seattle Center Foundation is also currently leading the private campaign to raise $70 million for Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, the ultimate result of a complete transformation of Seattle Center Opera House.