MOHAI forges ahead with proposed move to South Lake Union

The city of Seattle and the Museum of History and Industry moved a step closer Wednesday to creating a new regional history and maritime museum at South Lake Union.

The council's Finance and Budget Committee unanimously approved a resolution urging the city and MOHAI forge ahead with "due diligence."

The resolution aimed to show support for MOHAI to move to the city-owned armory building, city officials said. At the same time, it is intended to protect the city's interests by laying out conditions for MOHAI to meet before signing a formal agreement.

Crafted with help from MOHAI and the mayor's office, the resolution requires that the museum submit a draft fundraising plan and a draft business plan to the city by Sept. 30. The plans should demonstrate the feasibility of building, financing and maintaining the proposed museum.

MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield said the museum, based in Montlake, wants to make the move and expects to close soon on a sale of its downtown property. The property, at 800 Pike St., is no longer being considered as a site for a future museum, and is being sold back to the Washington State Convention Center.