Chris Hansen might not actually have the basic requirement needed to build his SoDo arena yet (i.e. a basketball team). However, Hansen's big plans seem to get bigger and bigger with every new design and planning reveal.
Hansen has been buying up all the SoDo property he can get his hands on. He's previously voiced his interest in creating an entertainment complex surrounding the arena and tying together the whole Stadium District. Last week's designs revealed the latest possible additions and changes to the project as plans for the arena and its surrounding are evolve.
As part of the designs, there are now plans for a 40,000-square-foot project with two floors of retail space as well as four floors of office and residential space. The designs also include plans for a plaza near First & Holgate that would include a 10,000-square-foot building with two retail floors and four office & residential floors.
The plans also include a six-story garage on the corner of First and South Holgate Street that would include 520 spaces.
Meanwhile, a city-appointed group of 21 residents, business owners and representatives are currently overseeing a study that would bring more housing and residential space to SoDo, which would put Hansen's plans in-line with the city's, as they hope to make SoDo more of a "complete neighborhood."
The Downtown Design Review Board is reviewing the latest arena designs on March 5 so we might know more shortly thereafter.
· Chris Hansen Apparently Buying Entire SoDo Neighborhood [Curbed Seattle]
· Today In SoDo Arena Developments: How Bout An Entertainment Complex, Too? [Curbed Seattle]
· Latest Seattle NBA arena designs show how nearby projects may develop [PSBJ]
· New panel is studying big changes for Seattle's Stadium District [PSBJ]
· All SoDo Arena Coverage