The new Summit building will open at the Seattle Convention Center in January 2023. Photo Credit: LMN Architects
The Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District has changed the name of the convention complex to the Seattle Convention Center. The SCC campus is now composed of Arch at 705 Pike, the original building; Arch at 800 Pike, formerly known as the Conference Center; Summit, which will open one block north on Pine Street in January 2023; and three parking garages.
“This is a tremendous milestone as we prepare to launch Summit, the additional building,” said Jeff Blosser, president and CEO of the convention center. “The updated brand captures the enduring vibrancy the convention center contributes to downtown Seattle, in terms of revenues generated by meetings, but also by event attendees as they explore Seattle, the Puget Sound and Washington State.”
The new addition will have 570,290 square feet of event space. Its highlights include:
- 149,200 square feet of heavy-load exhibit space with direct drive-in access;
- The 99,250-square-foot carpeted and acoustically treated Flex Hall;
- 62 meeting rooms totaling 99,620 square feet, with numerous combination possibilities;
- A 58,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom with a soaring 55-foot custom ceiling made from locally sourced recycled wood;
- 137,220 square feet of lobby space full of natural light, with views of mountains and water; and
- 18 covered bays at one loading dock.
In the heart of Seattle and in close proximity to its world-class hotels, restaurants, entertainment and attractions, the Seattle Convention Center has been serving the Northwest for nearly 33 years. The facility has a longstanding commitment to sustainability, public art and civic engagement.
In other news, Visit Seattle, the convention and visitors bureau, and Seattle Bank are partnering to support small business owners to help bring visitor revenue to the city's emerging neighborhoods. The inaugural grant program has invested in 20 local enterprises, including restaurants, cafés and shops in the Chinatown-International District and the Central District, focusing on those owned by women, people of color and LGBTQ+ community members.
“This program gives us an opportunity to share our story with a broader audience — to welcome more people to experience the true origins of coffee and the rich history of coffee in Africa,” said Efrem Fesaha, CEO and founder of one grant recipient, Boon Boona Coffee, an African-inspired coffee shop that prioritizes community education and engagement.
“We’re so grateful to be part of the Community Partnership Program,” said Diane Ung, co-owner of Phnom Penh Noodle House, a Cambodian restaurant in the Chinatown-International District. “It’s giving us the opportunity to introduce our cuisine to those who are traveling from afar, and neighbors we have yet to meet."
Visit Seattle has a full list of the grant recipients.