The Building
The McKinney Center for Community and Economic Development (MCCED) is a transformative, six-story, 111,000-square-foot facility located in Seattle’s Central District, designed to foster economic growth and community development. Strategically positioned in the heart of the city’s African American cultural hub, the Center will offer a diverse range of programs focused on career advancement, education, and business development. It will house training facilities, incubators for local businesses, and resource centers for job placement, all aimed at empowering residents and bridging the gap between potential and opportunity.
This innovative project not only preserves the Central District’s rich cultural legacy but also paves the way for a future of economic vitality and self-determination. The McKinney Center blends historical significance with modern design, creating a space where tradition meets innovation. It will serve as a catalyst for change, a nurturing ground for new ideas, and a testament to the resilience and aspirations of the community. As it takes shape, the Center promises to be more than just a building—it will be a beacon of opportunity.
The Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) owns this invaluable community asset outright.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney: A Legacy of Empowerment
In 1966, Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney, a Baptist minister, co-founded the Seattle Opportunity Industrialization Center (SOIC) in the basement of his church. This visionary initiative was designed to equip minorities who were unemployed or underemployed with the life and job skills necessary to compete in the workforce. Dr. McKinney’s educational model replicated the national OIC founded in 1964, demonstrating his commitment to proven strategies for community empowerment.
Dr. McKinney’s impact extended far beyond Seattle. He became a prominent figure in the OIC organization, serving as its national Vice President. His dedication and leadership helped the SOIC thrive, and by 1970, nearly a thousand students had found work through the program.
Reflecting on his achievements, Dr. McKinney once said, “We were able to, for 20 years, train people and build a facility at 23rd and Jackson.” This statement encapsulates his lifelong commitment to education, vocational training, and community development.
Dr. McKinney’s work embodied the principles of the Social Gospel, a Christian approach that emphasizes social reform alongside spiritual conversion. His legacy continues to inspire our mission of changing lives through education, vocational training, and community empowerment.
