Kirkland youth wins naming contest for New County Office Building

On October 22, the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved a name suggested by an 8th grader from Kirkland for King County’s new 13-story facility in downtown Seattle.

“The Chinook Building” is the entry chosen by the Council from 140 entries submitted earlier this year by middle school students from throughout King County. The name was submitted by Megan Drews, who was a student at Holy Family School in Kirkland when she entered the contest. Drews was presented with a special recognition from the Council after they endorsed her selection.

“I applaud Megan Drews for winning the naming competition for the County’s new office building,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, Council representative for District 6 and Vice Chair of the Council. “Her choice of ‘Chinook’ demonstrates her maturity and resourcefulness. Chinook is an icon in the Northwest and preservation of this fish is a priority for King County along with the waters in which they swim.”

“It is an important name to me and my family because it celebrates our Northwest native heritage,” said Megan, who is now a freshman at Eastside Catholic High School in Bellevue. “Along with our heritage, it is a great fish to eat!”

Earlier this year the Council conducted a contest asking 7th through 9th graders from throughout King County to submit potential names for the building that reflect broad citizen values as well as county issues, persons, or symbols, along with essays explaining their suggestion. This approach was a unique opportunity to engage young persons and give them a greater sense of connection with local government.

“It’s an honor to have a student from the district I represent win this countywide contest,” said Councilmember Hague. “I’m sure she will continue to provide valuable contributions to our community.”

Another student essay submitted to the Council suggested that significant names be used for physical amenities of the Chinook Building. The Council legislation honors that idea by providing for the naming of each of the floors of the building. The Council will select names of floors 1-9; the executive will select the names of floors 10-13.

Seven County agencies are now housed in the building at 5th and Jefferson, which opened this summer. Its tenants include Public Health, the Office of Public Defense, the Department of Community and Human Services, the Office of Information Resource Management, and the Finance Division.

A formal dedication ceremony will be scheduled.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Type in “2007-0330”