Seattle's historic Kerry Hall to be preserved as arts hub
SEATTLE - Former students and artists rallied to save the building, and now, Seattle’s iconic Kerry Hall has a new owner committed to preserving its legacy.
Cornish College of the Arts just sold the historic performing arts space that helped establish the city as a hub for modern dance to Seattle Theater Group.
What is Kerry Hall in Seattle?
Kerry Hall, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, has been a beacon of the arts community since it was built in the 1920s. The Spanish Colonial-style building was originally the home of Nellie Cornish, founder of Cornish College of the Arts. For decades, it served as a central location for dance and music education and became a vital part of Seattle’s creative community.
"I was very lucky to call Kerry Hall my home," said Adriana Wright, a former Cornish student. "When I think about my college experience in my formation as an artist and a dancer, Kerry Hall is the place."
The building also holds significance for modern dance history, with notable figures like Merce Cunningham, considered the father of modern dance, once performing there.
What happened to Kerry Hall?
In 2024, Cornish College of the Arts announced it was selling Kerry Hall. This decision raised concerns among artists who used the space for rehearsals and performances. Former students organized a petition to preserve the building, which gained significant traction.
"I think we all felt some sort of concern about what could happen," said Wright. "Who could come in to be the new owners and stewards of this building?"
The petition, which argued that selling the building would displace students and artists, emphasized the importance of preserving Kerry Hall as a cultural landmark. Their efforts have paid off. Seattle Theater Group (STG), the nonprofit arts organization behind venues like the Paramount Theatre and the Neptune Theatre, announced it has acquired the building.
"As the new owner and stewards of this historic space, we are fueled by a strong belief in preserving cultural space in our community," said Josh LaBelle, Executive Director of STG.
STG plans to maintain the artistic legacy of Kerry Hall. Moving forward, the building will serve as STG’s central hub for community programs, serving approximately 40,000 people annually.
For Wright, the acquisition of Kerry Hall by STG feels like fate. "I think it’s a very Kismet moment," she said, noting the timing of the sale and STG’s commitment to preserving the space.
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