After extensive debate and consideration, the Burien City Council voted to demolish the Burien Community Center Annex (“the Annex”) at 425 SW 144th Street.

This follows six months of public process and discussion. The demolition process will occur after July 31, 2020, which is when the leases end for the remaining tenants. The decision was based on significant concerns about the buildings’ safety for the tenants, public, and staff. Many of the systems in the building are at the end of their operational life.

The Council also authorized $350,000 be transferred from other capital projects and the capital reserve to the demolition of the Annex. This means that a project aimed at addressing a non-critical landslide area in Seahurst Park and a master plan process for Hilltop Park will be delayed. The City’s Annex Tenant Support Team will continue working with Annex tenants on relocation efforts.

Current tenants include the Burien Actors Theatre, Burien Hi-Liners, Burien Cooperative Preschool, Transform Burien and Para los Niños.

Cathy Norquist, Interim Adminstrator for Transform Burien said, "Some of the tenants have another place lined up, some do not. We are working to try and find a place but we don't have a contract with anybody yet, and it's likely to take a longer time than July 31."

The Burien Actors Theater whose storage needs are substantial have not found a new home.

Norquist emphasized that Transform Burien was in need of donations to make the move and provided the link for those who could help. DONATE HERE.

To donate to the Burien Actors Theater DONATE HERE.

To donate to the Highliners DONATE HERE

To donate to the Burien Cooperative Preschool DONATE HERE

To donate to Para Los Ninos DONATE HERE

The City of Burien recognizes the years of service that the tenants have provided to the Burien community.  Because some of the tenants are still working on relocation efforts, the City will maintain the Annex Tenant Support Team to assist the tenants with relocation. It is important to the City and Council that tenants find a location that suits their needs, ideally in Burien. The City is evaluating other ways that it may be of assistance to the tenants.

Planning efforts are underway to determine the process for demolishing the building. The City will be in communication with residents and stakeholders about the process. A larger community engagement effort is also being planned to determine community center services in the future.