Seattle Plans $34 Million Aurora Avenue Property Purchase for New Utility Operations Center

The City of Seattle is moving forward with a $34 million property acquisition along Aurora Avenue North to create a centralized operations center for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). The proposed facility, called the North One Water Operations Complex, would bring water, drainage, and wastewater crews together at one location.

The properties involved include businesses currently occupied by Puetz Golf, Mekong Village, and Zapffe Silversmiths. The city has placed a $2 million deposit on the bundled properties, and the acquisition was authorized through the city budget and City Council action.

According to public records, the three parcels are located at 11762, 12004, and 12020 Aurora Avenue North. The city expects to take ownership in 2027, subject to completion of the transaction and remaining due diligence.

The proposed purchase has raised concerns among business tenants. Zapffe Silversmiths, a family business with a history spanning more than a century, says it received little advance notice of the potential sale. Its representatives are now facing uncertainty about relocation and future operations.

Puetz Golf leadership has emphasized that the agreement is still a potential purchase and that the escrow deposit is refundable. The final transaction has not yet closed.

The city says the new utility hub will consolidate operations and support Seattle's water and wastewater infrastructure. Construction costs are expected to be addressed through future utility rate proposals and business plans.

Key Details

• Project: North One Water Operations Complex
• Estimated purchase price: $34 million
• Location: Aurora Avenue North, Haller Lake area, Seattle
• Properties: 11762, 12004, and 12020 Aurora Ave. N
• Businesses affected: Puetz Golf, Mekong Village, and Zapffe Silversmiths
• Deposit: $2 million, reported as refundable
• Expected city takeover: 2027
• Agency: Seattle Public Utilities