Originally published Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Capitol Hill Arts Center on the move, wants to buy its own space
After five years at its original location, the Capitol Hill Arts Center (CHAC) will move by June 30, when its present lease ends. CHAC did not exercise...
Seattle Times theater critic
After five years at its original location, the Capitol Hill Arts Center (CHAC) will move by June 30, when its present lease ends.
CHAC did not exercise an option to renew its lease for its site at 1621 12th Ave., where the for-profit cultural organization has been presenting an array of events such as plays, cabaret shows, all-ages raves, plus subletting spaces to other tenants.
Matthew Kwatinetz, CHAC's director, said he offered to buy the building from owner Elizabeth Linke. She confirmed that she did not want to sell it.
"We're now definitely looking to buy our own space. We have the backers and money to purchase a building," said Kwatinetz, who has been actively involved in the communitywide effort to develop more arts facilities in Seattle's urban core, an effort with support from the City Council.
According to Kwatinetz, CHAC has in five years presented "more than 4,000 shows of every variety" in its current location.
"Our mission has definitely been achieved here," he said, "and now we'd like to broaden and do more in our own place. Of course, we'd really like to stay on Capitol Hill."
Linke said the popular restaurant Crave, also housed in the building, will remain. She is looking for another tenant, preferably an arts organization, to take over the main lease, and is currently "in discussions" with Velocity Dance Center. That nonprofit dance studio is looking to relocate from the Odd Fellows Hall, an East Pine Street building on Capitol Hill under new ownership. Rents there are rising for arts tenants.
Linke said the dance center is exploring whether the 12th Avenue site will meet its needs. No one from Velocity could be reached for comment.
Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
Greenwood merchants nervous after 3 more arsons
UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor shrine
Nicole Brodeur: Praise pours on the water man
Soldier from Whatcom County is killed in Afghanistan

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
253 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
247 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
173 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
143 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
119 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
104 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
70 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
69
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect





