Classes for the Experimental College, community events and other activities are commonly held at the University Heights Center. The building, located several blocks from campus at 5031 University Way N.E., has served as a space and resource for community activities for the past 16 years.

Since its founding, the University Heights Center for the Community Association (UHCCA) has rented the space from the Seattle School District in order to maintain its function as a community resource. Now, however, UHCCA is negotiating with Seattle Public Schools to buy the building and take full ownership of the site.

“Basically, they’ll be doing the same work they’ve been doing all along, just with the added responsibility of owning the building,” said Ron English, deputy general counsel at Seattle Public Schools. “Meanwhile, we’re converting the asset into cash and [will] direct it towards benefitting our schools.”

Seattle Public Schools declared the property surplus in June 2007. Two of the five properties it declared surplus at that time have already been sold.

According to the organization’s Web site, the UHCCA is a “non-profit, 501(c) 3, community center located in the former University Heights Elementary School.”

When the elementary school closed in 1989, a survey showed that 75 percent of U-District residents polled felt the building should continue to serve the public as a community center, prompting the founding of the UHCCA.

The organization includes hundreds of groups and individuals who contribute funding, volunteer work and participation to UHCCA activities to keep the organization running.

In addition to continuing current services, UHCCA members will strive to improve the facility.

“One thing we want to do is improve the farmer’s market — keep it open year round, but possibly add some amenities,” said Stephen Antupit, a member of UHCCA’s board of directors since September 2007.

Because the University Heights Center building has been standing for more than 100 years, it holds special value as a landmark for the U-District.

“The whole property and building are historic sites, so there are certain things that can’t be changed,” Antupit said. “But certain repairs such as roofing will need to be made, and that will take work.”

Neither Seattle Public Schools nor UHCCA know when the negotiations will be finished, but they expect to finish up in the near future.

“Probably sometime in the next several months,” English said.

Reach reporter Annie Atherton at news@dailyuw.com.