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Artists' building endangered by Seattle tunnel project

Some of the artists at The Western Building
http://www.619western.com
Some of the artists at The Western Building

The deep bore tunnel that will replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct along Seattle's waterfront could be bad news for the century-old Western Building in Pioneer Square.  

The six story building sits on top of fill dirt and rotted pilings, and the Washington Transportation Department says it could settle a few inches during construction.  

The Western Building has been a haven for artists since 1979.  You can learn more about the building at 619western.com.

The state is deciding whether to tear it down or reinforce it.  The tunnel would run about 80 feet below the building, which is home to more than 100 artists.

The Associated Press reports the tunnel to be bored under downtown Seattle would pass under 137 buildings.

Dave Meyer has been anchoring KNKX news shows since 1987. He grew up along the shores of Hood Canal near Belfair and graduated from Washington State University with degrees in communications and psychology.