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A cloud has shadowed Colman School for much of the 25 years since the first proposal to remodel the vacated building as the Northwest African American Museum.
Thursday, the clouds burst into a full-fledged downpour, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the standing-room-only crowd that gathered under blue, green and gold tents for a groundbreaking ceremony.
"I think the program 'Survivor' was based on Colman School," said James Kelly, president of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. "It even survived the Nisqually earthquake."
The museum, which is expected to open next year, will offer year-round exhibits devoted to African American arts, culture and history on South Massachusetts Street in the Central Area. Live events, including dramatic performances, lectures and concerts, also are planned.
Security at the afternoon ceremony was tight. Seattle police officers parked at intersections across from the school; others paced along fences watching the street. Officially, the officers were there as "dignitary protection," for a list of politicians on the agenda, including Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Mayor Greg Nickels.
Others said there were concerns that Omari Tahir-Garrett, who served prison time after hitting former Mayor Paul Schell in the head with a bullhorn five years ago, might try to stir up trouble at the event.
However, the nearly 90-minute ceremony proceeded without a hitch.
The history of the project hasn't always gone that smoothly.
The idea for the museum at the school was originally proposed in 1981.
Garrett, Earl Debnam, Michael Greenwood and Charlie James, all community activists, broke into the closed school in 1985 and set up camp, claiming the site for the museum. They were remembered during Thursday's event.
Little happened in the following years, mainly because of a lack of money and uneven organization.
At the ceremony, pieces of quilt were given to people who have played a role in helping the museum dream become reality. The pieces also could have represented the patchwork of funding from city, state and federal sources, as well as from corporations and foundations.
The museum is part of $20 million project that includes 36 affordable "work force" apartments on the upper floors and the collection of artifacts and exhibits on the main floor.
The City Council recently approved a resolution urging that the park next to the school be named in memory of guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
The school, built in 1909, is a familiar sight, perched on a hill and visible when heading east on Interstate 90 from downtown. Even with boarded windows, the building is a striking silhouette.
Carver Gayton, executive director of the museum, reminded the crowd that the project is about more than just the structure. "The building itself isn't the only thing. It is a bridge to the community."
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