Downtown Auburn Revitalization Efforts
Auburn Avenue Theater:
Theater Design & Construction: $13.7M
The City of Auburn is constructing a new, 9,960 square foot, 300-seat theater in Auburn’s downtown core serving as a cornerstone for Auburn’s downtown revitalization. The existing Theater was structurally damaged at the end of 2021, condemned in January 2022, and demolished in spring of 2024.
Rebuilding the Auburn Theater has been a strategic priority of the downtown revitalization plan to restore the area’s role as a vibrant center for arts, culture, and community life. The project will re-activate the downtown performing arts scene, stimulate economic growth through increased visitation and business activity, and generate employment opportunities for local creative professionals.
The Theater architectural and engineering design services were led by Otak Inc. (OTAK Website), with support from Opsis (Performing Arts Theater Architectural Design); DCI (Structural Engineering); HWA Geo Sciences (Geotechnical Engineers); ARRIS PAE (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, Data/Telecom, Lighting, and Energy Modeling); Landis (Electrical Engineers); PLA (Theater Design); Yantis (Acoustical and Audio/Video Design); NCLOSE (Building Envelope Consulting); EcoReal (LEED Certification and Sustainability Consulting); and DCW (Cost Estimating).
Envisioned as a community-centered, sustainable, and iconic live entertainment destination hub, the new Auburn Avenue Theater aims to preserve and enhance the cultural, artistic and economic vitality of downtown Auburn’s rapidly evolving and vibrant Main Street through theater, music, comedy and visual arts. The theater will have visual connections to the Postmark Center for the Arts and an Arts Alley on the north and a new downtown park to the east, creating a trifecta of creative energy in the heart of downtown Auburn.
The new north – south orientation of the Theater’s stage and house places the tallest stage volume to the north, preserving the pedestrian-scaled-character of downtown along Main Street. This configuration also allows for direct stage access from the loading zone located along the existing alley to the north, with the loading zone doors flanked by original brick salvaged from the original Auburn Avenue Theater. A glass lobby extends the full length of the south façade with entry vestibules on both the Auburn Ave/Main Street corner and from the new Park on the east side and both entries will feature marquee reader boards, scaled based on location.
Within the theater space, the design integrates proven theater and acoustic design principles that tailor the space’s shape, size, volume, seating arrangement and materials to efficiently optimize sight lines, acoustics and technology for various types of performances. The lobby, cross-aisle and stage all at the same elevation – combined with raked tiered seating towards the rear of the Theater house and seating sloping below grade towards the stage - ensures a physically and visually accessible experience for all visitors. Interior elements include upgraded back of house amenities not present in the former theater, including restrooms, a green room, and two separate dressing rooms and storage. Dark toned, durable finishes and acoustic treatment on the Theater’s walls, floor and ceiling, balanced with vibrant color for the audience’s comfortable seating with various widths to accommodate all body types, emphasized highlights the visceral connections between audience members and the magic being created on stage.
Upon completion, the theater will provide a welcoming venue for performances, events, and community gatherings—advancing Auburn’s long-term goals for cultural vitality and economic resilience.
Project Timeline & Milestones
- January-December 2024 - initial schematic design efforts; fundraising and grant writing efforts
- Fall 2024 – Former Theater demolition
- Mid-2024 – Late Fall 2025: Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents
- End of 2025-Early 2026: Complete Construction Documents; submit permits and begin bidding process
- April-May 2026: Contractor selection, mobilization, and start construction
- Mid-2027: Theater and Park construction completed; operational launch of new Theater
Auburn Avenue Theater project cost & funding:
Project Cost:
Grant Funding:
- $1,498,650 from the State of Washington – 2023-2025 Commerce Community Capital Facilities
- $625,000 - 4Culture Anchoring Community Grant
- $485,000 from the State of Washington – 2025-2027 Commerce Community Capital Facilities
- $100,000 – King County 2023-2024 Biennial Budget - External Support Project Grant
Development Agreement:
City Funding:
- $4,000,000 Real Estate Excise Tax
- $2,000,000 Park Impact Fees
- $600,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
Downtown Park
Project Cost: $955,000
A new 16,000-square-foot downtown park is designed to enhance community connection, support arts and entertainment, and provide a welcoming green space in the heart of the city.
The new park will feature a centrally located lawn surrounded by dual walkways, seating walls, a small tree grove, and thoughtfully designed landscaping. An oval-shaped gathering and seating area will be positioned just outside the east entrance of the Auburn Avenue Theater, creating a natural extension of the theater experience and a space for community interaction.
At the center of the park will stand The Gathering Tree, a large, City-commissioned art installation that will serve as a visual focal point visible from Main Street. This signature piece reflects Auburn’s commitment to integrating art into public spaces and fostering a vibrant cultural identity.
Strategically located adjacent to the new Auburn Avenue Theater, the park connects B Street Plaza across Main Street to the Postmark Center for the Arts, strengthening pedestrian flow and creating a cohesive downtown experience. The space is designed to function both as a pedestrian connector, passive green space and an area that can be activated for downtown events.
The site was made possible through a King County Conservation Futures Grant, which funded the acquisition of the property located at 125 E. Main Street, demolition of the existing structure, and preparation for park development. In accordance with grant requirements, at least 85% of the site will be maintained as green space. A permanent easement ensures the property will remain dedicated to park and open space use for generations to come.
Park construction is being coordinated in tandem with the Theater construction; with both projects slated to be completed in mid-2027.
Park Funding:
- Property Purchase/Demolition:$950,000 from King County Conservation Futures Grant for purchase and demolition of 125 E. Main Street property
- Park Design and Construction: $955,000
- Grant Funding:
$250,000 from the State of Washington Direct Appropriation
- City Funding
$175,000 Park Impact Fees
$100,000 King County Park Levy Funds
$430,000 Parks Capital Budget Funds
Public Art Project for Theater/Park:
Funding Source: City of Auburn Capital Budget (Public Art): $97,500
Artist John Fleming has designed a new public artwork titled “Gathering Tree,” which will be an elegant focal point and gathering place outside the entrance to the Auburn Avenue Theater in Auburn’s future downtown park. Inspired by vine maple trees, the abstracted form will elegantly curve upward towards the sky with a myriad of beautiful colors on top and reflective stainless steel below, reflecting the community which it is designed to serve. Fleming has also designed a pair of curving benches around a plaza that will gently arc up towards the tall sculpture, truly creating a magical gathering place for the Auburn community and it’s visitors.
Notice of Road Work
CP2321 - Downtown Infrastructure Improvements (PDF)
Project Limits:
East Main Street from Auburn Avenue to B Street NE, and Auburn Avenue from East Main Street to 1st Street NE. Please see the map on the reverse side of this flyer.
Project Purpose:
This project will replace aging underground utilities and surface infrastructure making downtown Auburn more attractive and accessible for residents and visitors.
Description of Work and Schedule:
Construction will begin with demolition of the building located at 125 E Main St as well as underground utilities in the B St Plaza (Initial Construction Areas). This work is scheduled to begin on May 12, 2025. E Main St and Auburn Ave will remain opened during this initial phase of the project.
Full road closures of E Main St and Auburn Ave, as depicted on the attached map, is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025, and continue through the end of August 2025. Another notice will be issued as we approach the roadway closure period.
Additional Information:
We are dedicated to causing as little impact on residents and businesses as possible. Access to residences and businesses will remain open for the duration of this project. However, you should anticipate traffic impacts and noise caused by construction activities. Construction activities are limited to daytime hours (7:00 am and 7:00 pm), night work is not expected. If night work becomes necessary, a separate notice will be distributed in advance of the night work activities.
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation while we work to revitalize downtown Auburn.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions, concerns or need more information, please contact:
Kevin Aalmo, Active Construction, Inc. Superintendent, at 253-686-7094
Matt Larson, City of Auburn Project Manager at 253-804-5032
Seth Loop, City of Auburn Construction Manager/Inspector at 253-804-5082
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
Para obtener esta notificación en español, visite la página web de la ciudad de Auburn: www.auburnwa.gov/CapitalProjectNotices;
Найти это уведомление на русском языке можно на веб-странице муниципалитета г. Auburn по адресу www.auburnwa.gov/CapitalProjectNotices.
要查看本通知的西班牙语版，请访问奥本市政府 网站上的相应网页： www.auburnwa.gov/CapitalProjectNotices.
この通知をスペイン語で受信するには、 オーバーン市 のウェブサイトをご覧ください www.auburnwa.gov/CapitalProjectNotices.