SMS:
I remember Paul Schell for his vision as a developer who saw what Seattle could be. Before he was elected Seattle mayor, Schell funded Cornerstone, a company that begun revitalizing the waterfront eventually leading to the creation of our wonderful Harbor Steps.
Schell’s career as Mayor, sadly, was tainted by the bad events associated with the WTO meeting here.
MAYOR MURRAY:
It is with great sadness that Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announces the passing of Seattle’s 50th mayor, Paul Schell, who served from 1998-2002. Schell died this morning surrounded by family and friends at Swedish Hospital. He was 76 years old.
Schell will be remembered as one of the great city builders of the Pacific Northwest. As a citizen activist, lawyer, director of community development, port commissioner, dean of architecture and mayor he directly shaped the civic infrastructure of Seattle for more than 40 years.
Schell’s greatest professional accomplishment has been the infrastructure that he built and influenced. The first Libraries for All campaign was a brainchild of Schell’s, establishing and building a new downtown library and rebuilding branches throughout the city. He led the effort to fund Seattle’s first parks levy, rebuild the opera house and was instrumental in building the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle’s City Hall and Justice Center.
