SeaTac officials will be seeking comments from residents and business people on the city's planned downtown district at an open house on Dec. 7.

The open house will be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, located at 17338 International Boulevard, from 5-8 p.m.

The planned downtown area is next to the Sea-Tac International Airport/SeaTac City Center light-rail station, located at International Boulevard and South 176th Street, opening on Dec. 19.

Boundaries are from International Boulevard to 32nd Avenue South, between South 176th Street and South 170th Street.

Planners envision constructing a new 30th Avenue South between 176th and 173rd that would link with the boulevard.

City staffers and council members have been working on the entertainment district concept for at least two years, including making trips to other cities with entertainment districts.

An entertainment district is just one concept in the city's plans to build a main street area, according to Acting City Manager Todd Cutts.

"At the end of the day, concepts evolve," Cutts noted. "We want feedback on what people want and whether we are taking the right steps.
"We want to make sure this is what the community is seeking."

Cutts said the city is trying to create a gathering point for residents, occupants of SeaTac's 5,500 hotel rooms and the 37,000 employees that work in the city.

SeaTac is making a serious financial commitment to the project, Cutts noted.

The city plans to spend $14 million next year to acquire land for a public parking garage for patrons of the main street area as well as buying land across the boulevard form the light-rail station for a "kiss 'n ride "lot.

Council members voted in October to condemn the Dollar park and fly facility along the boulevard. They plan to use the property for the parking garage.

Cutts emphasized that construction is not imminent.

Plans are for the public gathering spot at 30th and 173rd and the parking garage to begin construction in 2012 and the road network to be built starting in 2013.

SeaTac leaders are confident that the economy will rebound by the time the city is ready to begin construction, Cutts said.

The city will only proceed with construction when private investment has been secured, Cutts added.

Free parking and refreshments will be available for the open house. Families are welcome.

For more information call 206-973-4820.