West Seattle Blog… | Demolition date! Milestone for the Highland Park Improvement Club, 3 years after the fire. But first a party

(25 June 2021, reader photo)

Three years and three weeks ago, this fire damaged the historic Highland Park Improvement Club building at 1116 SW Holden. The community trustees who oversee the nonprofit and its building immediately vowed to rebuild it. It’s been a very long road, but today, after a community celebration, HPIC announced a major milestone – a demolition date. Here’s the announcement we received from HPIC:

The Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC), a West Seattle nonprofit organization, announces the demolition of its 100-year-old clubhouse, tentatively scheduled for July 29, 2024. This momentous event marks the next chapter in HPIC’s rebuilding campaign, a $3.7 million capital project to replace the historic community center destroyed by fire in 2021. A farewell celebration will be held the day before, July 28, at 5 p.m. Details will be announced on HPIC’s social media.

The demolition of the old clubhouse represents a pivotal moment for HPIC and the surrounding community. This project not only marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter that focuses on rebuilding and revitalizing the community space that has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood for over a century.

“This demolition is not just about tearing down walls – it is about creating hope and opportunity for the future. We are committed to creating a space that will serve our community for generations to come,” said Rhonda Smith, President of HPIC.

The new HPIC building will offer modern amenities, larger spaces for community gatherings, and programs for diverse groups, all designed with increased accessibility and sustainability in mind. Committed to preserving the community’s cultural heritage and fostering a vibrant community spirit, HPIC seeks to create a welcoming place where neighbors can connect, thrive, and actively participate in shaping the future of the Highland Park/Riverview neighborhood.

HPIC has already secured $1.7 million (46%) of the project costs, including a $50,000 grant from the Neighborhood Matching Fund program run by Seattle’s Ministry of NeighbourhoodsThis program requires HPIC to match the award amount through in-kind donations, professional services, cash, or volunteer time.

Community members, stakeholders and all interested parties are encouraged to get involved by signing up for the HPIC newsletter at bit.ly/hpicnewsletterwhere you will be informed about current construction developments, upcoming events and participation opportunities.

HPIC leaders say demolition is expected to take about a week, with work scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It’s been a long and intense road to reconstruction, with more milestones along the way, like this one in February.