In a move that signals the end of an era for Cornish College of the Arts, the institution has sold its last building on Capitol Hill, Kerry Hall, to Seattle Theatre Group (STG). The sale, which was completed just over a week ago, has resonated throughout the arts community as it represents not only a change in ownership but also a significant transition in the storied college's footprint within the city's cultural landscape.
After months of anticipation and vocal concern from students who staged protests fearing the loss of the building's artistic soul, STG, a key player in Seattle's cultural sphere, has stepped in to acquire the historic 31,900-square-foot facility. The nonprofit organization is responsible for iconic venues such as the Paramount, Moore, and Neptune theaters, and is planning to extend its community arts programming through the addition of Kerry Hall, which has been a creative incubator for nearly 100 years this move aligns with their broader mission, according to the Seattle Business Journal.
Marisol Sanchez Best, the director of education and community engagement at STG, conveyed the organization's commitment to Kerry Hall's legacy. "Kerry Hall has fostered immeasurable creativity and innovation in the arts for close to 100 years, and I’m proud that STG will continue Cornish’s legacy," she told Seattle Business Magazine. The building's historic significance as part of the National Register of Historic Places only enhances the importance of this acquisition.
This transaction rounds off a year of substantial reorganization for Cornish, which, back in April, declared its intent to consolidate its campus in South Lake Union this decision came shortly before Dr. Raymond Tymas-Jones, Cornish’s 10th president announced his retirement in July after a six-year tenure. Amidst these shifting sands, STG’s plans to enrich community arts programming have been accepted by many as a reassuring promise for the future, details of which are expected to be revealed in the upcoming year, according to information shared by KOMO News.
Although the specific terms of the sale have not been disclosed, the decision to sell Kerry Hall to an organization like Seattle Theatre Group (STG) has been met with a sense of relief and optimism within the arts community. The move suggests that the iconic venue will remain a vibrant hub for artistic creation, education, and community engagement in Seattle.
