Seattle Center and Lancer Hospitality to Partner on Redevelopment

Seattle Center is pleased to announce a letter-of-intent with Lancer Hospitality to design and construct improvements to the Seattle Center House food court area; and subsequently, to operate the area under a lease and concession agreement. The food court will close later this year so that the rebuild and food service installation can be completed for the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair six-month celebration, April 21 - Oct. 21, 2012.

Seattle Center chose Lancer Hospitality as the preferred provider following a request for proposals process launched last year. The new partnership lays a foundation for an updated food court area featuring a wide range of eating options, including full service restaurants and healthy and eclectic food choices. Lancer Hospitality, who will serve as a master concessionaire, is currently seeking partnerships with local restaurants and food providers.

The most recent upgrades to the food court area were made in 1995 as part of an effort to expand public programming and cultural events as a means to bring people into Center House. At that time, the food court took on a support role that catered to the youth, family and senior focus of the programming.

The Century 21 Master Plan outlines an expanded vision of the food court area to serve as an active hub that connects people and campus destinations, accommodates a dynamic mix of programs and services and houses restaurants, cafes and retail catering to a variety of tastes and price levels. In keeping with the Master Plan, the renovations for Center House will include opening it up to allow in more natural light, enlarging windows, building outside terrace seating and opening the space at the south end of the food court area.

"We are thrilled to be moving forward on much needed improvements to the food court area in time for The Next Fifty celebration in 2012. I am impressed by Lancer Hospitality"s approach, and I look forward to working with our new partner to provide an outstanding dining experience in this grand and historic building," stated Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams.

"Seattle Center attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as an arts, cultural, family and tourism center for the region. We're putting together a vibrant mix of restaurants and food court options with a focus on local sourcing and fresh and organic ingredients. We believe the new options combined with a dramatic renovation of the dining spaces will wow the community and transform the food experience at Center House," stated Lancer Hospitality President Glenn Baron.

Seattle Center House anchor tenants, including Book-It Repertory Theatre, Center School, The Children"s Museum, Seattle Shakespeare Company and Theatre Puget Sound and Seattle Center administrative offices will continue to operate during and after the construction. Public programming held in Center House will continue but be relocated to other areas of the grounds.

For more information on Center House, the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan, The Next Fifty activities and all of the events and attractions held at Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

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