Entrepreneur Chris Hansen and his firm, San Francisco-based WSA Properties LLC, purchased more land in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, public records show.
The two parcels were purchased for $25 million. One is a vacant lot and the other is the Taylor Edwards Building at 1518 1st Avenue South. Henry’s Tavern is located on the first floor, with leased office space above, for a total of over 62,000 square feet.
I remain committed to exploring all options to bring the NBA and NHL, not just to our region but to a new arena in the City of Seattle
This latest purchase has brought Hansen’s total investment to nearly $123 million. In mid September, two other parcels were purchased at the corner of South Holgate Street and Occidental Avenue, where he had previously envisioned a parking garage for a new sports arena. This means that Hansen and his firm now own all of the land on the east side of 1st Avenue South, with the exception of two parcels.
A little over five months ago, Seattle’s city council voted against a street vacation that was necessary in order to build the arena. However, Hansen has continued to expand WSA Properties’ footprint in southern Seattle, giving sports fans hope that the city will have a NBA team again one day.
After council made its decision, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray had released a statement in response to the vote. “I firmly believe that a new arena will be built that brings the NBA and NHL to our region,” he said. “The City’s past actions contributed to the Sonics leaving Seattle. Council vote makes it less likely that the NBA will return to the City of Seattle. I remain committed to exploring all options to bring the NBA and NHL, not just to our region but to a new arena in the City of Seattle.”
