APS and Boys and Girls Club agree to early access agreement for former AHS building

Arlington Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County have agreed to an early access agreement to study the feasibility of using the former Arlington High School A Building for future programs. The agreement was approved by the Arlington School Board on May 8.

“In 2022, district staff conducted a Request for Letters of Interest public process, soliciting proposals from organizations interested in partnering with the school district via a long-term lease agreement to improve the former Arlington High School's A Building and operate community service programs from the improved building,” said Brian Lewis, Arlington Public Schools Executive Director of Operations. “The district elected to pursue a proposal submitted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County.”

As part of its due diligence, the Boys and Girls Club administration requested that prior to committing to negotiating a lease agreement, it be allowed to enter the A Building for purposes of inspecting it.

"We're hopeful with the community's help we can find a way bring the A building back to life," said Bill Tsoukalas, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County.

A committee was formed in 2018 comprised of nearly two-dozen community members and district staff. The committee studied different uses for the building. Committee members wanted to ensure that any future owner or lessee would preserve, retain and improve the current structure and operate programs that fit within the neighborhood.

The three-story former Arlington High School was built in 1936 and features classrooms, a cafeteria, a commons space, and a large performing auditorium with balcony seating. The first floor of the building currently houses the district’s Support Services. The district also leases approximately 25% of the first floor of the building to Kids Kloset, a non-profit organization.