City to take over former CWU facility

Council directed staff to begin the process of converting the building for the short-term use of existing subtenants after options were presented about the Central Washington University building, which the school will vacate soon. Staff was further directed to identify financial and staff resources necessary for a comprehensive planning process for potential long-term use, which will go before Council later this fall as a part of the mid-biennial budget process and 2026 work plan development. 

CWU will end its lease at the City-owned facility on July 1, leaving the City to assume full responsibility for the building. The transition raises key questions about future use, zoning compliance, and long-term funding. 

Council was provided with three options for this building: 

Find a new, sole renter 
Sell the property 
Maintain ownership and operations 

Though the building is in generally good condition, a 2022 assessment identified $5 million in baseline maintenance needs over the next 15 years, excluding inflation and any costs related to programming upgrades or the transition to City operations. Additional facility needs are expected to emerge once the City assumes active management. 

Currently, the staffing and funding needed to operate and maintain the building exceed the City’s available resources. Staff will spend the next few months converting the building to short-term use and will return to Council later this year with a potential addition to the 2026 workplan that would include options and costs for developing a long-term use plan for the building. The community has expressed various potential uses and desires for the building, and this long-term planning process will ensure that Sammamish residents have the opportunity to shape any potential future programming in the building.