Jimi Hendrix Park Awards Contract to Developer – Work to Begin in April
After four years of planning and fund-raising, Jimi Hendrix Park took a major step closer to realization with the winning rebid of the development to ERRG, Inc. The City of Seattle is pursuing a contract with the company.
ERRG, Inc. was chosen from among five bidders to transform an open green space in Seattle’s Central District into a celebratory space worthy of its namesake, hometown rock icon Jimi Hendrix. Construction at the 2.5-acre park, located adjacent to the Northwest African American Museum, is expected to begin in April, with opening of the new park features projected this fall.
“The Jimi Hendrix Park is the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, creative input, and generosity invested in something we all believed in and constructed to commemorate an amazing human being.
It is our hope that for generations, it will exist as more than an attraction or point of interest, but a place of homage to one of Seattle’s own. The landscaping, the artistic design, and the ambiance all mimic the vibe of the persona of Jimi, whom this park honors,” says Janie L. Hendrix, Founder and Director of Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation.
Following a year-long public design process, the non-profit Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation and the Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park launched a capital fund-raising campaign in 2012 that raised more than $1.4 million to finance construction of the first phase in a two-part project. The park plan aims to create an engaging space that celebrates the life, music and legend of Seattle native Jimi Hendrix.
Phase 1 of the park development, designated “Little Wing,” will include a new stairway and grand entrance at the southeast corner of the park at 25th and Massachusetts, paved pathways, a chronological timeline of Jimi’s life and career, enhanced landscaping with trees and native plantings, seat wall benches, improved fencing, ADA accessible walkways, rain infiltration gardens, a butterfly garden, and a central plaza for community gatherings and performances.
“The Northwest African American Museum looks forward to the opening of the new Jimi Hendrix Park. Together we form a premier cultural destination that celebrates African American art, history and culture, and the living legacy of an iconic musician who helped the world expand its definition of “black music” and continues to influence musicians today,” remarks Rosanna Sharpe, Executive Director of the Northwest African American Museum.
Fund-raising continues to construct phase 2 of the park project including: additional pathways, pedestrian lighting, improved fencing, the installation of a central shelter and the centerpiece feature, a “shadow wave wall” depicting iconic silhouette images of Jimi Hendrix. The unique landscape design by Murase Associates of Seattle is expected to draw visitors from around the world as well as to serve as a local neighborhood gathering space.
Major donors to phase 1 of the park project include: Hard Rock International, Parks and Green Spaces Opportunity Fund, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Janie L. Hendrix, King Conservation District, Seattle Parks Foundation, KISW 99.9 FM, Northwest African American Museum, Nisqually Indian Tribe and Fender Musical Instruments Co.
The mission of the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation is to create a community space inspired by the extraordinary life and electrifying music of Jimi Hendrix — a gathering place for individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages to celebrate cultural heritage, experience community pride, and enjoy innovative educational programming in partnership with the neighboring museum. The park plan envisions a space that will motivate youth and others to explore music and art, and strengthen the cultural pulse of the Emerald City as a primary focal point for multi-cultural events, gatherings, and activities for the community.
For more info on Jimi Hendrix Park and how you can get involved with the foundation click HERE