501 Commons is getting a new home next month and, in the process, will become part of a dynamic, civic collaboration in an iconic, historic building. In mid-December, 501 Commons will move to the 11th floor of the Pacific Tower on north Beacon Hill.

The State of Washington has leased a portion of the building from the Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority (PHPDA) to house the health care education training programs of Seattle Central College. The remaining space is being leased to several nonprofits, including 501 Commons, Neighborcare Health, The Cross-Cultural Health Care Program, and additional meal preparation and training space for Farestart. Neighborcare Health will operate a community dental clinic in collaboration with the college’s dental hygiene training program.

501 Commons is excited about being located in the building because it provides a more central location and access to several spaces for nonprofit trainings and events.

“We are thrilled about this opportunity to share space with Pacific Medical Center, Seattle Central, and many outstanding nonprofit colleagues. We do over 100 meetings, trainings, and convenings a year and having access to shared space in this wonderful building will greatly enhance our programs,” said Nancy Long, 501 Commons' Executive Director.

The much-loved Art Deco building, which previously served as a headquarters for Amazon, was built in 1932 as a Marine Hospital, renamed the US Public Health Hospital, and later became Pacific Medical Center, which still has its headquarters and Beacon Hill Clinic on the campus. The PHPDA manages the campus and channels revenue it receives into grants that support health care services for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

Beginning April 1, Pacific Tower will offer a freshly-polished Conference Center with some of the best views in town. The conference center can hold 270 people seated or 300 for a standing reception, and it can also be separated into three meeting rooms of smaller capacity. Nonprofit rates will be available.

501 Commons will manage the reservation system for daytime rental of public space in the building. A website will be available to assist with room scheduling. FareStart will manage reservations for evening and weekend functions, and it is the exclusive catering vendor for evening and weekend events.

Over the next year, additional rental spaces will come online, including rooms equipped as formal training centers, informal reception space, and “hotel” office space for those in need of a short-term spot to work for the day. Nonprofits will receive a formal announcement from 501 Commons when the reservation system is open and available for your use.

501 Commons will communicate with clients throughout the move and is committed to maintaining service to our ongoing technology and financial services clients with minimal disruption. Watch for more on our move in the weeks ahead!