Frequently Asked Questions:
500 Fifth Avenue North

    

Q. Why does the foundation need new headquarters?

A. As of July 2007, the foundation has approximately 430 full-time employees, and we anticipate adding staff in the future to meet our program needs. We’re presently outgrowing our current office space, so the foundation needs to relocate to a new, long-term home.

Q. Where is the new building site located?

A. In the heart of the city, adjacent to the Seattle Center. The area has a vibrant history as a regional and international gathering place—an appropriate location for the foundation to continue to its outreach through regional and global programs.

Q. How large is the site?

A. Approximately 12 acres.

Q. How much did it cost to buy the property?

A. The agreed purchase price from the City of Seattle was $50.4 million.

Q. What will the new headquarters look like?

A. Our primary goal is to create a new headquarters that serves as an effective workspace and embodies the foundation’s mission and work. The design concept features office buildings with sweeping, outward-reaching curves, an open, airy environment with views into and through the campus, and extensive landscaping and green space that knits the campus into the neighborhood.

Q. Who are the architects?

A. NBBJ. They have been working with us as part of a collaborative team that includes real estate development experts from The Seneca Group, Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd. (landscape designers), ARUP (engineers), Sellen construction, and others.

Q. How much will it cost?

A. The project is still in the design development phase. We’ll know more about the project costs as the design gets more fully developed.

Q. How many employees do you forecast occupying the campus when it opens?

A. Our staffing is driven by our program needs and it would depend on what is required at that time.

Q. Is sustainable design included in your planning?

A. The commitment is to build a headquarters for the foundation that can grow over time and also contribute to the community. It will honor the vital history of the area and the existing fabric of the neighborhood. The new building will be designed and constructed according to Seattle’s citywide policy on sustainable building, which emphasizes environmental, economic, and social stewardship.

Q. What is IRIS Holdings, LLC?

A. IRIS Holdings is an affiliated entity of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is the purchaser and developer of the property.

Q. When will construction begin on the site?

A. Groundbreaking occurred in January 2007 on construction of a parking garage, to be owned and operated by the Seattle Center. Following completion of the garage, construction of the foundation campus will occur in phases. The first phase is scheduled to begin in mid- 2008.

Q. What is the construction that's happening on the site now?

A. Construction is underway on the parking garage. For answers to questions about the garage, visit our Garage FAQ page.

Q. When will the foundation move to the new location?

A. We anticipate moving into the new location in late 2010.

Q. What is the foundation's position on  transportation initiatives in Seattle?

A. Please visit the Mercer Corridor/South Lake Union Transportation Initiatives page for information.

Q. I have a question or comment about the project. Who may I contact?

A. Please email 500Fifth@gatesfoundation.org.