Seattle plans $34M land purchase for new utility hub

Seattle is set to spend $34 million to replace the beloved driving range with a new utility operations center. The city put down a multi-million dollar deposit on the properties that are home to Putz Golf and other businesses along Aurora. Anybody who plays golf knows this store for sure. Some of the current tenants say they had no idea though. Fox 13's Dan Griffin is along Aurora with the details on the city deal. The Putts Golf sign has long defined this stretch of Aurora Avenue. Now the area is in flux as the city works through purchasing the properties. Approved by Mayor Katie Wilson after months of council reviews, Seattle is closing in on a $34 million land deal on Aurora Avenue. The city confirmed to Fox 13 News a $2 million deposit for the property's home to Putts Golf, Mekong Village, and Zapfe Silversmiths, Thad Thompson's family shop at this location since 1994. Been in business 107 years. We specialize in restoration of sterling, brass, copper, bronze, pewter. Thompson spotted SPU crews nearby recently but had no clue. He says his lease expires next month. It would have been helpful to know. We're going to have to make some significant planning. SPU says landowner Putts Associates bundled the properties, prompting the deal. The utility wants a new North One water hub to combine water, drainage, and wastewater crews. By text message, Putts Golf CEO David Putts called the deal a, quote, potential purchase, saying it is, quote, too early, not even a down payment yet, and noted the escrow deposit is refundable. Records show the city deems the site suitable pending routine due diligence reviews. SPU expects no closing. closing obstacles. Meanwhile, Thompson says this warehouse turned silversmith's haven has flourished for 30 years here, despite Aurora's reputation for crime and prostitution. Easy access for people to find us. The parking lot was more than ample. Officials say Seattle's 2026 budget pays for the purchase with future rate proposals and business plans funding construction. Thompson wonders how much time may be left here. We believe we do excellent work. We also believe we have an excellent reputation with our customers. He vows a move won't end his family legacy. Again, the city says it does not anticipate any obstacles to closing. It plans to take over the properties later in 2027. Reporting along Aurora Avenue, Dan Griffin, Fox 13 News.