The funding, which comes from the Council's conservation budget, gives the Museum a running start at the $3.56-million its must compile to complete the deal for the site of R.C.'s Billiards at 10 Broad St. with owners Marlene Ivey and Larry Lesley and a third party who owns an option on the land.

The deal, negotiated a month ago, gave the Museum until March 31, 2001 to come up with the cash, according to the Museum's Chris Rogers. A fund drive will be initiated in January to raise the remaining $2.56 million. Some $200,000 has already been contributed. The County recognized the urgency, and provided the $1-million for this "grand public space," according to King County's Ron Sims.