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Board approves $12.5 million purchase of warehouse near John Stanford Center for facilities operations
Summary
The board voted unanimously to approve purchase of a warehouse at 3223 Third Avenue South for $12,500,000 to consolidate grounds and facilities operations and reduce long‑term costs, staff said.
Seattle Public Schools on May 14 approved the purchase of a warehouse at 3223 Third Avenue South for $12,500,000 to house grounds and certain facilities operations, the district’s capital projects director told the board.
Richard Best, executive director of capital projects and planning, said the site is roughly two blocks from the John Stanford Center and that the move would allow grounds, masonry and roofing operations to vacate the district’s inadequate storage in the north parking lot and grandstand areas. Best said the district completed due diligence, toured several alternatives and estimated roughly $1 million a year in equipment and operational savings over a 10‑year horizon if it consolidates operations at the warehouse.
Board action: Director moved the purchase approval and a second was recorded. The board approved the purchase by roll call; board members present voted in favor. The vote was recorded unanimously.
Why it matters: Facilities and grounds staff currently use a cluster of district‑owned spaces that staff described as poorly shaped for bulky equipment. Staff said the new facility would be more suitable for vehicle access, safer for equipment and reduce operational costs for maintenance of district assets.
Financial note: The board authorized the superintendent to execute a purchase and sale agreement dated April 21, 2025, in the amount of $12,500,000 and to make minor modifications as needed to implement the purchase. Best said additional work items after purchase — for example, removing two interior columns to permit vehicle access and improving ventilation for vehicle exhaust — were expected to be modest compared with the purchase price and were estimated at roughly $100,000 for the immediate modifications.
Ending: Staff said they will begin implementation tasks and return with follow‑up details; the district expects to realize operational savings from consolidated facilities work once the move is completed.
