Redmond Needs An All-Season Cultural Gathering & Performing Arts Center

With a population of 73,000 and growing in Redmond, and another 700,000 in the surrounding Eastside localities, this region has only a limited number of dedicated all-season large cultural gathering and performance arts spaces suitable to meet the needs of this culturally diverse, highly educated population.

“I hope this really happens. I raised my children in Redmond and there was nothing like this for my kids. Now I have grandchildren and would love to take them here!”
   – Redmond Resident/Local Bank Assistant Manager

Prashanthi Chitre Institute of Performing Arts; Photo by: Unfiltered Photographers

Redmond Intercultural Arts & Sciences Center

A Space Where Creativity & Innovation Collide

Need: International Community Gathering Space

With a population of over 73,000 and growing in Redmond, and another 700,000 residents in the surrounding Eastside localities, the largest indoor gathering space this city currently offers seating capacity of less than 300. Redmond is in need of additional dedicated all-season large arts, cultural, and community gathering space suitable to meet the needs of this culturally diverse and highly educated population.

Need: Innovation Hub for All Ages

Redmond is known throughout the world as a premier center for science, technology, and engineering innovation, however, Redmond does not have a space dedicated to highlight and grow this unique community knowledge base through educational and entertaining programming and events.

Need: Affordable Housing

The significant lack of affordable workforce housing options in and near Redmond is hindering business, government and non-profit entities from attracting key employees. Developing a Center that includes housing options at various price-points and sizes for artists and employees of the Center could support that need, as well as bring additional vitality to the Center.

Need: Tourist Destination

By 2025, Redmond will have four light rail stations, connecting the city to the Puget Sound region. Ensuring Redmond is a premier destination for STEAM experiences throughout the region and beyond would support the city through community connection, vibrancy and economic impact.

The Concept - Main Level

A 500-1,000 seat flexible performance theater

that would be multi-use, such as for e-sport tournaments, and potentially subdividable.

A Smaller, 150-seat Children's Theater and Planetarium

with a 60-foot diameter dome.

A banquet room

that can max capacity of at least 500, seated, table rounds and be divisible in to separate spaces plus catering kitchen(s) to allow for diverse catering opportunities.

Smaller gathering spaces

that can be used for smaller receptions, art exhibits, and smaller performances.

Children's STEAM Center

Rotating, themed exhibit space for Children’s STEAM Center programming.

Restaurant,

Coffee shop, and gift shop.

The Gardens

Beautiful and educational outdoor garden spaces for public gathering and touring, private events, and use by the tenants of the building throughout the complex.

The Concept - Upper Levels

Upper Levels

Second Foor:

  • Office space for artist workspace and organizations
    operating in the building

Third through 10th Floors:

  • Mix of income-level Workforce rental and/or ownership
    housing units and amenities, 1-3 bedroom units

Lower Levels/Underground

Lower Levels/Underground

  • 2-3 Rehearsal spaces/black boxes
  • Multipurpose
  • Storage Space
  • Parking and Other


Next Steps: Funding Need

We are seeking partners to purse a feasibility study and economic impact study. ($100,000)

  • Feasibility Study of all proposed components of the Center to confirm specific requirements, costs, and long-term sustainability. ($50,000 raise needed)
  • Economic Impact Study of the Center to quantify Direct Economic Impact, Indirect Economic Impact and Induced Economic Impact for each component of the Center. ($50,000 raise needed)
  • Detailed listing and analysis of current and future supply and demand for cultural center-specific space not only in the City of Redmond, but also of the 23 Eastside cities and towns.
  • Identification of two specific site locations for the Center based on estimated total square footage/acreage needs of Center, existing availability, and proximity to light rail access. (Redmond Town Center, Overlake, Downtown).

  • Pro Forma Development of each proposed component with recommended funding support sources.

  • Estimated development timeline.

Your Feedback
Requested

Your thoughts and feedback are requested! The OneRedmond Foundation has met with many arts, cultural, and science organizations and community stakeholders to learn of their needs and interests. Their collective feedback has helped to inform and create this Center’s mission and components. OneRedmond is keen to hear feedback from all community, non-profit, and for-profit organizations in Redmond to learn about their needs and listen to their thoughts in the proposed Redmond International Arts & Science Center.

Please contact us at Foundation@OneRedmond.org.