Public-Private Partnerships
Our public/private practice, led by partner Gerry Johnson, has represented for-profit and not-for-profit private entities in projects with substantial public participation as well as numerous governments and special purpose public entities in major dealings with the private sector. Our projects include long-running representation of the historic Pike Place Public Market in matters such as its current comprehensive renovation; the development, financing and construction of Safeco Field on behalf of its public facility district owner; the recovery of Seattle’s retail core anchored by Pacific Place for the private developer of that project; the development and financing of the Seattle Art Museum’s downtown museum, its more recent expansion and the creation of the Olympic Sculpture Park; and waterfront redevelopment projects in Tacoma and Bellingham. Recently, Pacifica lawyers have supported the Washington State Public Stadium Authority in successful negotiations to replace parking lost to it with the impending redevelopment of the north portion of the CenturyLink Field campus.
Pacifica lawyers also have unparalleled experience in transitioning entrepreneurial and special purpose public functions to not-for-profit and special purpose governmental management, including transfer of the Woodland Park Zoo to management by the Woodland Park Zoological Society and transfer of the Washington State Convention Center from State control to a special purpose public facility district formed by King County. The firm is currently working on several other such projects. The public/private practice also has broad experience supporting the development of major facilities and other projects for cultural institutions including the Museum of History & Industry’s recent move to the historic Armory in Lake Union Park, and the continued development of the Museum of Flight.
Practice Attorneys
Erik Jennings
Gerry Johnson
Paul J. Lawrence
Richard A. Moore
Faith Pettis
Denise Stiffarm
Zak Tomlinson
Sarah S. Washburn
