SAM hosting community meeting ahead of $54 million Asian art museum renovation, expansion

The Seattle Art Museum hasn’t set a firm date for the start of its $54 million renovation and expansion of the Seattle Asian Art Museum, but will be hosting a community meeting on Thursday, March 1, to update residents on the construction process, timeline and impacts on the surrounding area.

The Seattle City Council approved a new 55-year lease, development agreement and land use code amendment with SAM in late January, which was the final hurdle needed to begin construction.

The project includes seismic stabilization, new HVAC and climate controls, improved ADA accessibility and a 12,000-square-foot east addition that will have office, gallery and art-making space across three stories.

The museum closed last February, so work art collections could be removed. It is anticipated to reopen in fall 2019.

The community meeting will be held 7-8 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave. E.