The missing piece of the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center has finally been put into place.

A celebration ceremony for the new signage at the PAEC was held May 31. The gathering at the PAEC also honored King County Council member Pete von Reichbauer for his instrumental work supporting Federal Way.

Attendees of last Friday’s celebration included members of the City Council; 4Culture Board member and former Mayor Jeanne Burbidge; former Mayor and chair of the PAEC Foundation Mary Gates; former Mayor Mike Park; members of the Federal Way Performing Arts Foundation and gala committee; Federal Way Coalition of Arts and members of resident arts organization; and PAEC General Manager Brian Hoffman of Spectra Venue Management.

Time has brought major changes to this community, von Reichbauer said.

“We’ve gone from a little sleepy unincorporated town to an incorporated town that is one of the most diverse cities in King County,” he said.

With a community as diverse as Federal Way, it is important to have things to bring people together, he said, noting the various performances held at the PAEC that highlight cultures from around the world.

“Nothing brings people together more than the arts,” he said, commending foundation members Mary Gates, Jeanne Burbridge and Joann Piquette for their work and dedication to the city.

“Federal Way is anchored by the PAEC and I’m happy to be a part of that process,” Reichbauer said.

The county council member secured a $100,000 Building for Culture grant in 2018 to help fund the signage.

The PAEC opened in late 2017 and until now, there was always one unfinished piece, said Mayor Jim Ferrell.

“We’re very fortunate to have key players like Pete [von Reichbauer] and Jeanne Burbidge to help us facilitate this,” he said.

Standing at the corner of Pete von Reichbauer Way South and South 316th Street, the PAEC is reminiscent of the Acropolis of Athens, Ferrell said.

“We’re on high ground here,” Ferrell said.

From anywhere in the Federal Way downtown core, the PAEC could be seen and now with the news signage, the PAEC can be recognized.

“Whether you’re a long-time resident or first-time visitor, this is what you see,” Ferrell said motioning to the PAEC. “It really is a beacon and a reminder of the investment that we made together in our community; we’ve got Town Square Park, the steps, this — it’s really coming together.”

From left to right: Federal Way City Council member Mark Koppang, Federal Way Performing Arts Foundation members Jeanne Burbridge, Mary Gates and Joann Piquette. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell speaks during the ceremony on May 31. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

King County Council member Pete von Reichbauer speaks during a celebration ceremony for the new signage at the Performing Arts and Event Center on May 31. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

New signage at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

New signage at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo