“Stunning 1909 Craftsman” homes hitting the market at $1 million in the Central District aren’t that unusual but the real estate listing for a new property that went up for sale over the weekend is.
The glamour shot for 911 24th Ave includes a distinctive “HOOD CLOSED TO GENTRIFIERS” sign in the front yard. A closer look reveals the house is the home of Central District Black arts and community space Wa Na Wari.
“Inside, the light-filled living and dining room provides plenty of space for entertaining, with a gorgeous wood-burning fireplace and classic hardwood floors that are sure to delight,” the listing reads.
The organization tells CHS that all is well with the nonprofit and the sale is part of the process of settling the estate of the house’s longtime family ownership. Wa Na Wari plans to launch a competitive bid for the house, the longtime home of co-founder Inye Wokoma’s grandmother, Goldyne Green.
Wokoma says the organization is “looking forward to continuing to do our part in helping to anchor Seattle’s Black community and wider arts community alike” and hopes supporters will consider donating to help the center make a “competitive bid” on the property.
“We believe projects like ours are proof that the future of our city need not be a winner takes all proposition,” Wokoma writes. “There are ways for all of us to create a future here where we continue to live and thrive. Supporting our effort to secure this house is a big step in that direction.”
In March, Wa Na Wari celebrated its fourth anniversary with a “Cake Dance” event — “a 21st Century version of the Cakewalk” and “a dance of Black resistance and celebration.” CHS reported here on its 2019 opening. In addition to shows and events in its gallery and community space, the house also provides room for artist residencies.
The group says the house is the second home purchased by Frank and Goldyne Green and has been in the Green family for five generations. It has been mounting a capital campaign to raise funds for the eventual purchase of the property with hopes to raise $2.2 million to purchase the home and make improvements.
People can go to wanawari.org to learn more and donate.
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I’m confused: “It has been mounting a capital campaign to raise funds for the eventual purchase of the property” – what does “eventual” mean here? Did they complete that campaign? Are they planning to buy the property now? If “the sale is part of the process of settling the estate of the house’s longtime family ownership,” why is it listed on Redfin?
It’s such a great community asset, I sincerely hope nobody outbids them.
Why didnt the grandmother just leave it to the organization in her will?
Exactly what I was thinking!!