Bothell takes input on siting of new City Hall

The Bothell City Council took public input on the siting of its future City Hall building during a July 29 meeting at the Bothell Municipal Court.

Potential locations for the new facility include the existing City Hall site along 101st Avenue Northeast, the Beta-Bothell commercial property near the Park at Bothell Landing and the historic Anderson building, situated on the Northshore School District’s downtown property along State Route 527.

The city’s downtown-planning consultants have recommended placement of the building at the Beta-Bothell site to serve as a terminus for state routes 527 and 522.

Bothell City Manager Bob Stowe has supported that alternative, saying that it would make a “strong statement about the importance of civic life and the city of Bothell’s commitment to downtown revitalization.”

But some residents have expressed concerns that this option would have negative impacts on the Park at Bothell Landing, which includes several preserved historic buildings.

The City Hall project will cost an estimated $35-$38 million, and is included in Bothell’s 2009-2015 capital facilities plan.

City Council is scheduled to make a decision on the final location for the building sometime this fall.

Construction of the facility is expected to be complete by 2012.

Consultants for the city have determined that a 56,000-square-foot facility will be needed.

The city currently has around 114 administrative staff members, although that number is expected to grow to 134 by the year 2018.

Consultants have determined that all potential locations for the new facility would be adequate for housing current and future staffing needs, even in the event of annexations.

The city would need to acquire the Northshore School District’s downtown property in order to move its operations into the Anderson building.

Negotiations are currently under way to make that happen, as the land is included in Bothell’s downtown-revitalization plans.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.