Seattle's First United Methodist Church is suddenly the hottest property in town, with some of the city's most prominent developers lining up with plans to save the historic building that will turn 100 next year -- if it survives demolition.
The last-minute suitors include Nitze-Stagen and now, Sabey Corporation.
Their ardor comes a little late, as church members already voted last month to accept a proposal from developer Martin Selig. That deal requires demolition of the historic sanctuary and sparked the last-minute rush to rescue the building.
However, apparently no vows have been exchanged, and church officials said they are open to considering other offers.
Two weeks ago, church leaders met with developers and city and county officials to discuss the proposals.
The church is staying quiet about its plans.
"We are continuing to talk to developers; it is an exciting time," said the Rev. Kathlyn James, pastor at First United. "We are working hard toward a viable future for the church. There really is nothing definitive. I ... want you to know that we are excited and we hope to have some decisions made in the relatively near future."
The latest offer, from Sabey, would preserve the historic church and give the congregation a new home at Fifth Avenue and Wall Street. But the deal depends on the city selling Sabey the site of the former Public Safety Building, which has been demolished. The city will also have to give the company permission to build a tower as high as it likes.
Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis said the Sabey plan is "still kind of conceptual at this point." He is still gauging the City Council's interest in the deal.
But already, the most likely supporter has given the idea a thumbs down.
"Absolutely not. There is so much not right about this proposal that I don't even want to give it the time of day," said City Councilman Peter Steinbrueck, who has worked on efforts to save the sanctuary.
"I'm sorry. It doesn't work. I very much support preserving the sanctuary, but not at any cost," Steinbrueck said.
"It is hard to see what the city gets out of this," he said. "It is like making a pact with the devil -- I'm not calling Sabey the devil -- to save the sanctuary. The church has had other offers. We aren't going to allow ourselves to be put into the position of selling out our vision."
All of the offers are complex. The church wants to move out of the old church and into something more modern somewhere downtown so members can continue their mission of feeding and caring for the poor and homeless. The congregation would also like convenient parking, financial security and modern conveniences it has been missing in the old church.
Because it is a church, the courts have ruled steadily that it is exempt from efforts to declare it a landmark.
King County Councilman Dow Constantine has been trying to bring all sides together to save the sanctuary.
He said he was optimistic after the meeting with church officials two weeks ago.
"The church leaders were very cordial and appreciative of what everyone is going through," said Constantine.