Photos of the Russian Community Center in Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the damage deposit?
A: We enjoy our club very much and hope you well too. To preclude damages other than normal wear and tear, we require a damage deposit to put the facility back in order should damages occur and also cover us for the time that the facility is down should repairs caused by your tenancy be necessary. Accordingly $100 of your rental fee is reserved as a minimal damage deposit - this amount may be increased at our discretion based on the proposed use of the facility.
Q: What is the cleaning and reordering deposit?
A: We hopefully present our facility to you in good operating order. If you have objections prior to use, it is mandatory that you make us aware in writing. We expect that you leave the facility clean with the items of use replaced to their original positions. If we find cleaning and reordering necessary, services will be billed at $25 per hour per person and be charged additional to the rent.
Q: Are chairs and tables available and are they included in the price of the rent?
A: We stock both long and short folding tables along with folding chairs. Both are located on under the stage in the Ballroom/Auditorium. Soft chairs and roundtables are also available for the Meeting Room. We are happy to share these items with you provided you make arrangements with us prior to their use and subsequently return them neatly to storage.
Q: Do we need permits to have a banquet, and/or to have liquor on the premises.
A: We require you to obtain, hold, and display whatever the regulatory authorities require. In that regulations frequently change, we cannot give you a definitive information for your particular event but rather make these contacts your responsibility. Where liquor is involved for example, a permit from the State of Washington Liquor Control Board purchased through any State of Washington liquor store is usually a requirement.
Q: Candles, torches, pyrotechnics, barbecues, smoking, or any other form of fire
A: In consideration of the tragic loss of lives in facilities of this nature around the world, no items of fire are permitted in or around this facility. Violations breach our agreement(s) and are grounds for immediate expulsion and forfeiture to the Center of moneys owing.
Q: Parking?
A: We do not own a parking lot. St. Joseph Catholic Church and School across the street has sometimes let groups use their parking by prior arrangement as well as some businesses in the area--only with prior arrangement, however. Generally street parking is available and less crowded than other parts of Capitol Hill.
Q: How late can we make noise? How much noise can we make inside/outside?
A: Noise is regulated by City of Seattle Ordinance(s) which changes periodically. It shall be the responsibility of our tenants to be knowledgeable of these regulations and comply with them. You will be required to respect the tranquility, peace, and quiet of the neighborhood and should disputes arise limit and/or terminate noise accordingly, irrespective of ordinance requirements.
Q: What can we expect in terms of kitchen facilities?
A: We have designed our kitchen to have the look and feel of cooking at home. Our ranges are of a domestic type - two of which are under a commercial ventilation hood. We provide three sinks for washing dishes and a large stainless steel working island, etc. We do not provide a dishwasher, garbage disposal, or kitchen personnel. Accordingly, if kitchen facilities are used, tenants shall supervise their own procedures to include guarding against deleterious materials washed down kitchen sinks. If sinks become plugged, a Roto-Rooter service shall be ordered and charged to the tenant accordingly. The same applies to leaving kitchen facilities neat and clean upon the conclusion of use, including disposal of related waste. An outside dumpster and several recycling bins are available for use at no extra charge.
Q: General startup, operation, and shutdown procedures.
A: It is the intention of the Center not to micromanage tenants, but rather accept that tenants once chosen are responsible individuals in the operation of all phases of this fine facility during their tenancy. The tenant is responsible at all times for the safety of building, occupants, passersby, operations, etc. This includes operation of space heaters, fireplace, electric ranges, lighting, exterior doors and entrances, key control, immediate cleanup of spills to preclude slipping, preventing fights and disturbances, enforcing boundary limits, hiring SPD officers, the list goes on. Every good-faith manner and means shall be used to protect persons and property - a rather awesome task but one that is successfully accomplished daily in facilities like this throughout the world with conscientious, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and up- to-speed tenant representatives.
Q: In case individual cell phones do not work for whatever reason, is there a wired telephone on the property?
A: Yes - but only for emergency use in calling authorities. Any other phone use will be traced and those found responsible for use of this line will be back charged for their telephone usage plus a fee of $1000.00.
Q: Can we use the pianos?
A: We encourage the use of the pianos for musical pursuits and include a grand piano on the stage and an upright piano in the Meeting Room for those tenants renting these respective spaces. Prior arrangements may be required because piano keyboards are many times locked.
Q: Is there a place to check coats and hats?
A: Yes - a self-serve coat rack is available just south of the main entrance doors to the Ballroom/Auditorium. If supervision is required, an attendant counter is provided at that location.
Q: Is there a formalized bar/food service/sales area available?
A: Yes - there is a small space provided on the Ballroom/Auditorium balcony level where tenants can set up to sell items in a more formalized manner than usual table displays.
Q: What is the real people capacity and typical responsibilities in the use of the Center?
A: Different laws, codes, rules, regulations, fire protection provisions apply to uses and events. Authorities have the last word in these matters and their dictates shall be followed as if written into the agreement. It is the tenant(s) responsibility to verify that use of the space will be in agreement with the foregoing. During any and all events and for preparations thereto, it is mandatory that entrances, exits, and pathways be identified and kept clear and open during occupancy; that the facility be guarded and reactive at all times in the interest of safety and security; that the facility will be properly secured upon conclusion of use by each tenancy including water and gas shutoff; that facilities are kept up-to-temperature during freezing weather to preclude frozen toilets and waterlines; that snow and ice are cleared from sidewalks for the safety of entering/exiting guests; that any problems or irregularities with the Center observed by a tenant(s) be documented in writing and sent USPS certified addressed to the Center's Board of Directors; etc.

(June, 2010 reviewed)