In response to the need for culturally responsive spaces for workforce and business development, The William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation—formerly Fire Station No. 6—was revitalized, transformed, and officially opened its doors in the summer of 2022.

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Advocacy for Black community ownership of the vacant facility started in 2012. In the summer of 2020, the City of Seattle announced the transfer of the property at 23rd Avenue and Yesler to Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT). This transfer cleared the way for an Africatown-led redevelopment plan, and after more than 7 years, the facility was acquired by ACLT.

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WGC engages, empowers, and uplifts Seattle’s Black community by providing necessary resources- through the amplification of physical, intellectual and cultural assets-to break into new and emerging industries. The Center continues to function as a hub for entrepreneurship and small business development while serving as a nexus for innovation in Seattle’s Central District.

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With a vision fueled by the legacy of early Seattle pioneer, real estate developer and founder of the Central District, William Grose, WGC carries this legacy into the future with an emphasis on innovation through training of the next generation of tech leaders, intentional and diverse programming and community partnerships.

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With a strong emphasis on training the next generation of tech leaders, our intentional and diverse programming inspires young minds to embrace innovation. We foster a passion for learning and equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

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At the William Grose Center, we actively collaborate with community partners, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. We serve as a nexus for innovation in Seattle's Central District, providing resources and amplifying the physical, intellectual, and cultural assets of our community.