The story of Washington Hall's renovations is a testament to community dedication and historical preservation coming together. Built in 1908 by architect Victor Voorhees and initially serving as a gathering space for the Danish Brotherhood, this Seattle landmark has evolved into a beacon of inclusion and multicultural exchange. In recent times, the hall had seen better days until 206 Zulu and other community partners stepped forward to breathe new life into the old structure.
According to a Front Porch interview, 206 Zulu's Kitty Wu shared the hall's legacy of open doors. "Washington Hall was built by Seattle architect Victor Voorhees in 1908. The Danish Brotherhood built it for their meetings and gatherings, but it was also available for public use," she said, detailing its history of housing events from Filipino American gatherings to performances by artists of color during the era of redlining. For many, Washington Hall remained a place where community took precedence over exclusivity.
Funding for the renovations was secured through a collaboration between Historic Seattle Grant and the Seattle ARTS Cultural Facilities Fund. Kitty outlined the necessities for the work: "When we first moved in, she was in pretty rough shape and needed a lot of work." Continual upgrades were essential, including electrical improvements to support various events and making spaces accessible for everyone – a mission that lies at the heart of the organization.
Accessibility stands out as a prevailing theme in the hall's overhaul process. Kitty recollected one painful moment when a guest had to abandon his wheelchair to ascend the stairs – an image sparking urgent action. The newly installed elevator, funded by Historic Seattle, has transformed the venue, not just for those with disabilities, but for event logistics such as loading in equipment. "That has been life changing for us," said Kitty, as the space now accommodates everyone from children to grandparents.
Speaking on the importance of funding opportunities for cultural spaces, King Khazm told Front Porch, "These types of resources are invaluable because growing organizations don’t have the capacity either for acquisition or to do all the major outfitting." The grants and renovational support provided not only preserved an integral part of Seattle's history but also ensured that its legacy of inclusion continues forward.
Improvements in grant and funding processes were also a focus. The shift to simplified application and reporting, prompted by the pandemic's complications, has been a relief for many small organizations. But the struggle remains for non-profits, which often run on limited resources and multifaceted staff roles. Streamlining these processes could potentially broaden the scope of inclusivity for the city’s cultural hubs, supporting the continued growth and sustainability of spaces like Washington Hall.
