New KEXP studios in doubt after lawmakers pull grant | Local & Regional | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOMO News New KEXP studios in doubt after lawmakers pull grant Artist rendering of the new KEXP studios.SEATTLE — Legendary Seattle radio station KEXP got an unwelcome surprise this week when state lawmakers abruptly cut funding for the station’s new headquarters, which is under construction right now.
KEXP’s new Seattle Center studios will be finished in the fall. The biggest contributor to the $15 million project was supposed to be a state-funded arts grant, but that changed this week.
Once a college radio station, the now fiercely independent KEXP relies on private donors, along with foundation and government grants, to keep its eclectic collection of music playing and streaming to fans all over the world.
The station broke ground in January on its new headquarters, and it expected to get a $1.8 million state grant to help cover the costs.
“That actually represents the largest single source of support for this public arts project, so it is significant,” said KEXP general manager Tom Mara.
But earlier this week, Senate Republicans and their budge writer, Jim Honeyford, surprised everyone by pulling the grant. The grants were prioritized by a non-partisan panel intended to remove politics from funding for the arts.
“I thought that that process was a well thought out process and it seems like it had been followed in years past, so mostly we were surprised,” said KEXP host Cheryl Waters.
Half of the KEXP grant was later restored by Senate democrats, but it means KEXP has a $1 million hole to fill. “Not just for KEXP’s sake, but also for the process’s sake.”
Members of Honeyford’s staff said the Senator was too busy to talk about the grant.
The station is now appealing to listeners in hopes of raising the much-needed money.
“The outpouring of support was incredible, and again, really no surprise, because we know how passionate KEXP listeners are,” Waters said.
The old KEXP studios will be demolished next year to make way for a new high-rise building.
