The City of Seattle is planning to redevelop Jimi Hendrix Park into a $2 million recreational facility.
The area will be developed as a space to motivate youth in music and art and be available for multi-cultural gatherings.
The cost of the project is expected to be around $2 million.
The project will be lead by Murase Associates. “I was most impressed with the passion for this project expressed in Murase’s application and presentation, as well as their commitment to creativity, innovation and community involvement,” said Janie Hendrix, the CEO/President of Experience Hendrix L.L.C., the family owned and operated company and founder of the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation.
The Seattle Parks Levy Opportunity Fund kicked off funding with $500,000 towards the project in December 2010. A further $76,000 has come from a Neighbourhood Matching Fund and $20,000 from Janie Hendrix.
According to a statement, “The mission of the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation is to create a community space inspired by the electrifying music and story of Jimi Hendrix – a gathering place for individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages to celebrate cultural heritage, experience community pride, and enjoy innovative educational programming in partnership with the neighboring Northwest African American Museum”.
Development will include:
- Landscape with trees and native plants to provide year-round interest and wildlife habitat
- Musical platform with flexible size and seating for a variety of events
- Walkways with inscribed Hendrix lyrics, etc.
- Seating areas and tables
- Educational and interpretive features
- Green infrastructure opportunities, such as treatment of stormwater, solar power and recycled materials
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