Seattle Kraken team and Generator Studio submit RFQ response for Kirkland IcePlex; city reviewing public‑private proposal
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Summary
Kirkland staff told council they received a single RFQ response from a Seattle Kraken–Generator Studio team to develop an IcePlex and community center; the proposal would have the Kraken bear construction costs and requires negotiated agreements before council would authorize a deal.
Kirkland staff told the City Council they have received one proposal in response to the city's request for qualifications (RFQ) for a potential IcePlex and community center: a joint submission from the Seattle Kraken and Generator Studio. Staff is reviewing the submittal and will bring a recommendation to council on whether to move forward with negotiations and agreements.
Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez and Lynn Zwagstra, Parks and Community Services director, briefed the council on the RFQ status, a draft timeline and anticipated negotiation topics. Lopez said council previously authorized staff to explore a public‑private partnership after the city declined to pursue an aquatic center; since March 2024 staff have completed an economic feasibility analysis (CAA ICON) and negotiated a framework for how a deal could proceed.
The RFQ package was a single submittal, Lopez said, from the Kraken and Generator Studio. The submission lists Kraken executives and Generator Studio project leads who have worked on similar facilities, including the Northgate community ice facility and the Seahawks training facility. The RFQ proposes that the Kraken carry the full cost of developing and constructing the facility; Lopez emphasized that the proposal is structured so the city would not be required to raise new property taxes for construction.
What city staff would negotiate if council directs them to proceed - A ground lease granting development rights and property terms. - A development agreement that would specify design standards, construction expectations, and timelines. - An operating agreement setting community access levels, use priorities, maintenance responsibilities and public‑benefit provisions.
Lopez described public‑benefit topics that staff expects to negotiate: broad community access beyond the recreational center footprint, free or low‑cost programs for low‑income residents, youth camps and childcare spaces, and parking mitigation or fees to offset city operating costs. The Kraken team, according to staff, proposed that after a long term (for example 30 years) ownership would revert to the City of Kirkland.
Timeline and next steps: the RFQ submittal included an ambitious timetable that would begin design and permitting in mid‑2025 and aim for a late spring 2027 opening if negotiations and approvals proceed. Lopez and staff emphasized that any agreement must be brought back to council for final authorization and that staff will only advance a deal if the negotiated documents meet the council's previously adopted negotiation framework.
Houghton Park and Play and temporary amenities: Lynn Zwagstra reported on temporary uses currently on the Houghton Park and Play site. The city has collected public feedback via signs, a web survey and neighborhood outreach and has received about 40 survey responses to date; staff is expanding outreach and plans additional neighborhood engagement. Staff outlined potential relocation options for the site's amenities: pickleball (possible conversion/dual‑striping at Waneta Beach or Peter Kirk Park), bike pump track (Terrace Park), community garden, and expanded skate features (Peter Kirk Park). Zwagstra said Peter Kirk Park and Waneta Beach are top candidates for new pickleball courts because of lighting and orientation relative to residences. Staff noted costs to move features will include surface/concrete work as the largest expense and that city CIP staff are preparing estimates.
Public interest and next steps: several council members asked that staff provide more community engagement opportunities on program design and facility decisions; Lopez confirmed that the Kraken team has expressed interest in community presentations and staff indicated those would occur after RFQ review and as negotiations permit. Staff also said it is preparing a preliminary stormwater mitigation concept (a vault sized to mitigate an undisturbed area north of the park‑and‑ride) that would be an additional public benefit funded by the city if the council decides to include it in negotiations.
Quote: "The Kraken is to carry the full cost of developing and constructing this facility," Lopez said, adding negotiations will determine the financial security and public‑benefit details.
Lede provenance: "We are going to move on to ICEplex and Community Center Proposal Update. City Manager." (transcript 3233.0198)
Ending: Staff will return to council with a recommendation after RFQ scoring and negotiations; if council agrees to proceed, the city would negotiate and bring back a ground lease, development agreement and operating agreement for council approval prior to any binding commitment.
