Project Update:

The City has awarded the construction contract to Active Construction Inc. (ACI). It is anticipated that construction work will begin as early as May 12, 2025 with a full closure of E. Main Street and Auburn Avenue on June 2, 2025. See Main St & Auburn Ave Road Closure map for closure details.

Main St & Auburn Ave Road Closure (PDF)

Over the course of the next few years, the City will continue efforts to revitalize Downtown Auburn with the Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project. This project will replace infrastructure on Auburn Avenue and East Main Street that is at or near the end of its useful service life, make streetscape improvements that help create a welcoming environment, and start the planning and design process to replace the Auburn Avenue Theater.  Replaced infrastructure includes water, sewer, and storm utilities, roadway pavement, and sidewalks on East Main Street from Auburn Avenue to B Street SE (B Street Plaza) and on Auburn Avenue from 1st Street NE to East Main Street. The project will also replace the traffic signal at East Main Street/Auburn Avenue.

Conceptual Design

View more details in the Downtown Theater, Park, and Infrastructure Plans (PDF)

Background

The existing Theater was structurally damaged at the end of 2021 and subsequently condemned in January 2022. The damage was due to the demolition of an adjacent building, which was the result of a fire in July 2021 that destroyed the apartment building and several businesses. Significant structural issues have resulted in the decision to demolish the existing Auburn Avenue Theater and rebuild a new Theater.

In fall of 2023, as part of the overall downtown infrastructure project, the City requested proposals for design services from qualified consultant firms. After a thorough review and evaluation of the proposals Otak Inc. was selected to provide architectural and engineering design services for delivering this project.

Business Impacts

The City is committed to limiting inconveniences and impacts to residents and local businesses as a result of construction. During construction, access to downtown businesses will be maintained.

Downtown Infrastructure Components

• Utility work includes approx. 600 LF of new sanitary sewer, 500 LF of new water main, 150 LF of underground overhead power and communications facilities, replaced traffic signal, 3300 SY of full roadway, sidewalk, and plaza areas, pedestrian scale decorative street lighting, downtown standard street lighting, and an enhanced pedestrian crossing.

Timeline:

• Infrastructure Design Completion: Spring 2025
• Infrastructure Construction: Summer 2025 - Winter 2025/2026

Project Costs:
$5.3 Million

Auburn Avenue Theater Project Components

• Theater Demolition: Demolition occurred in the fall of 2024. 

• Theater Rebuild: The architect, Otak, conceptual design for a new 290-310 seat (up to 10,300 SF) performing arts theater.

• New Theater Construction: Full design of the replacement theater is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with construction beginning in early 2026.

Project Costs:

The City has secured all funds needed to design and construct a new performing arts theater. Current funding partners are as follows:

$100,000 (King County Grant) 

$1,498,650 (WA State Department of Commerce Direct Appropriation Grant)

Timeline:

• Existing Theater Demolition: Fall 2024 (Completed)
• New Theater Schematic Design: Summer 2024 (Completed)
• New Theater Final Design: December 2025
• New Theater Construction: January 2026-December 2026