Re: “Bring more foot traffic to downtown Seattle with dorms, classrooms” (March 1, Opinion):
This op-ed made extra sense to me than any concept I’ve examine on what to do with our empty workplace buildings. I’ve labored in a number of workplace buildings, and the kitchens jogged my memory of lounges in school dorms the place folks collect, seize espresso and snack on microwave popcorn. The workplace bogs had been massive sufficient to clean your face and brush your enamel since there have been ample sinks, identical to school dorm days.
Individuals get pleasure from strolling in South Lake Union, the place Amazon is positioned, as a result of it has a university campus ambiance with folks strolling and streaming to free-banana stands earlier than heading again to work. That is versus strolling within the downtown core, the place you by no means know for those who’ll move a darkish entryway the place you may encounter a bunch getting their subsequent fentanyl repair.
There’s already a classroom house mannequin with the College of Washington, Antioch College Seattle and Northeastern College Seattle, amongst others. Why not enhance extra faculties and let attendees spill out and fill the prevailing eating places and occasional retailers, particularly in the course of the cruise ship offseason because the authors prompt? It’s a win-win for everybody. Bravo!
Joan Magnano-Damm, Seattle
