FAQ

The Satterberg Foundation is the owner of the building, after purchasing it in mid-2019. The Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits through authentic, relationship-based partnerships within BIPOC communities.

Through its programmatic and community work in the Seattle area, the Satterberg Foundation was increasingly aware of the hardships many nonprofits, particularly those led by people of color or serving communities of color, were experiencing due to rising costs of operating in the city. The foundation also saw massive redevelopment throughout the city, where historic legacy was routinely replaced by higher priced (more profitable) redevelopment. Satterberg wants to ensure that organizations serving this community have a place in downtown Seattle.

Satterberg runs and operates the Metropole, overseeing property management, events, community engagement, and tenant relations.

This initiative was forged by the mission of the Satterberg Foundation — not by any opportunity for financial gain. The primary and motivating force is simply to support community nonprofits in our region by offering affordable workspace and community gathering space, while restoring a historic building in a modern, sustainable design.

The operating model of this project is to generate sufficient rental income to be able to maintain the property and its costs over time.

The foundation has no intention of buying more buildings or replicating this strategy elsewhere.

In developing and revitalizing this building, we sought community guidance at every stage, especially from the surrounding communities of color, and, in so doing, we make every attempt to meet those communities’ immediate and long-term space and service needs. We have reached out to a broad array of individuals and organizations, including:

• Nonprofit organizations led by persons of color;
• Nonprofit organizations working in communities of color;
• Local residents and businesses;
• Local government agencies, boards and committees; and
• Thought-leaders, artists, architects, builders and other individuals from local creative industries

There are lots of public transportation options nearby the Metropole. 

Pioneer Square Station is a three-minute walk to the Metropole. It’s served by the 1 Line of Sound Transit’s Link light rail network. The station is also adjacent to several surface bus stops near its entrances, served by King County Metro, Community Transit, and Sound Transit. 
King Street Station is a five-minute walk to the Metropole. It’s served by Amtrak, King County Metro, Community Transit, and Sound Transit (including Link light rails and Sounder lines).