Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) moved closer to inclusion in the Commuter Parking Mixed Use Project after the Jan. 15 City Council meeting.

The Mercer Island City Council selected a development team of MainStreet Property Group and Weinstein A+U for the project, giving the green light for the three groups — MICA, MainStreet Property Group, and the City of Mercer Island — to start negotiating agreements that will provide a roadmap for the inclusion of an arts center on the north end of Mercer Island at the former Tully’s Coffee / Parcel 12 site.

Mercer Island City Manager Julie Underwood stated in a press release, “One of the Council’s goals is to provide much needed commuter parking for residents to access the future light rail station. Leveraging the Sound Transit settlement dollars with private investment, plus siting a home for the arts, especially MICA and Youth Theatre Northwest, would be a win-win-win! The City is very excited about this unique opportunity.”

The design plan is for MICA to house performance, classroom and exhibition space in a complex that is thoroughly integrated into Town Center. The mixed-use development will be a gateway, providing a multigenerational gathering place to experience and enjoy arts and culture in daily life — and offering retail, parking and walking paths to the new light rail.