Lynnwood says hygiene center will temporarily close for planned renovation; board and city to coordinate alternate services

City staff updated council July 13 on renovation plans for the Lynnwood hygiene center and steps to maintain services while the facility is closed for construction.

Assistant City Administrator Monisha Harrell said the hygiene center is operating and actively recruiting an executive director. The center has identified a prime contractor for renovations that will include bathrooms and water systems; because that work affects core hygiene functions the center expects to close during construction and to fence the site while work proceeds.

Harrell said the hygiene center and its Jean Kim Foundation board are seeking community partners to host services during the closure and are working to reestablish communication channels after leadership turnover. The board has asked that community concerns go to the board during this interim period.

Councilmembers asked whether phased construction might allow the center to remain open; staff said work to reconfigure plumbing and restrooms likely precludes continued hygiene operations during renovation. Councilmembers also asked whether the city could temporarily host services at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center; staff said they would explore the option and coordinate with the hygiene center board.

The city also said it remains open to revisiting a good-neighbor policy developed previously, but that the policy had not yet been finalized by the hygiene center board. Renovation could begin as early as late summer, pending subcontractor scheduling and permits.

What’s next: staff will continue coordinating with the hygiene center board, explore possible temporary site options for services, and prioritize permitting and city support to minimize service interruptions during renovation.