Seattle NHL Franchise Targets January For Groundbreaking On HQ

Seattle's NHL expansion team said that it is "targeting January for demolition and construction of a new headquarters and training facility" at Northgate Mall on the city's north end, according to Chris Daniels of Seattle-based KING-NBC. The ownership group is "going through final permitting, and financing for the training facility, which is part of a major overhaul of the mall complex." The facility is set to be completed in "time for the expansion team's first training camp." The cost will be roughly $80M. When combined with the Seattle Center Arena project, and purchase of the expansion franchise, the private investment in the team is close to $1.7B. NHL Seattle lead investor and film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, appearing at a city council meeting yesterday, "remained coy on other major announcements, like a franchise name, minor league affiliate, or naming [a] general manager" (KING5.com, 5/20).