 The City of Auburn will continue the transformation of the historic Auburn Post Office into an Arts & Culture Center. Major construction and renovation began in mid-December.
The renovations and interior transformations were designed by Johnston Architects and the remodeling and construction project is being handled by American West Construction.
"It is such an exciting moment to see the dream of this Arts & Culture Center finally becoming a reality after so many years," says Mayor Nancy Backus. "This center will be much more than a remodeled building; it will be a place where the community can come together in appreciation of arts and to share cultural experiences that will strengthen our bond as a community."
The main floor renovation is dominated by a gallery and gathering space, a multi-use studio space for arts education of all ages, and a classroom and meeting space. The original post-office vault will be transformed into an inspiring and unique art installation space. A main-floor gift shop will serve as a revenue-generator while giving local artists an opportunity to promote and sell their work. A catering kitchen and/or café will strengthen the vision of the Auburn Arts Center as a community event space. Additional project components include newly required fire and life-safety systems, HVAC improvements/modifications; restroom improvements, new lighting systems, roof replacement and cupola repairs; as well as refinishing the original historic terrazzo and wood floors. In a future phase, the renovated basement level will feature teaching spaces for community-based arts classes, performance rehearsal spaces, and additional studios.
“The project team found inspiration in the building’s original design. Demolition of the interior walls, bulky column wraps, and suspended plaster ceiling gave way to an open space with high wood plank ceilings, allowing ample natural light deep into the interior. Newly revealed raw structures merge with refined elements, like the building’s original floors and marble wainscot, to create a unique backdrop for classrooms, galleries, art studios, and community spaces that celebrate the building's history and bright future,” noted Ray Johnston, Founding Partner of Johnston Architects.
Auburn’s original Post Office was built in 1937 as a WPA project. The building was converted into a King County Public Health facility in 1964. Vacant since 2009, the City of Auburn purchased the building in 2016 and has been working since that time to restore the architectural and historic treasure and redefine it as a central hub where cultural communities come together to learn, create and share. The 8,000 square foot building is listed on the King County Landmarks Register, the Washington State Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places and all exterior renovations must receive approval from King County Landmarks Commission.
The transformation is expected to be finished in August of 2022. The Arts & Culture Center will provide increased access to the arts and cultural education for the local and regional community and drive economic activities in Auburn’s downtown core. The newly renovated lobby space and multipurpose rooms will offer new public programs like music and dance performances, visual arts exhibitions, literary arts events, and other cultural gatherings. Programming will also include arts education for all ages, including after-school programs that aim to engage at-risk youth and other school age students. The goal is to make the economic, educational, cultural, and civic benefits of the arts available to all communities by broadening public access to the arts.
August 2016-Current:
Ongoing Fundraising efforts
August 2016:
Building Acquisition
September-November 2016:
Initial Community Outreach
& Input
December 2016:
Initial Designs & Cost Estimates
Late Fall 2018-Spring 2019:
Historic Window Restoration
Late 2019-Fall 2021:
Interior Abatement & Demolition
December 2021:
Phase One Renovations
August 2022:
Phase One Grand Opening
End of 2023:
Phase Two Renovations
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