from Chris Daniels of K5News,

The Seattle City Council put an end to a debate spanning more than a decade by approving a $700 million makeover of the KeyArena.

It is part of what will - likely - be a more than $1.4 billion private investment in the city where an NHL team can call home.

The vote was unanimous.

It was expected, and completes a dramatic comeback for the much maligned building.

The effort had been bad mouthed since 2006, and bordered on “white elephant” status after the Sonics left in 2008. More than one developer or entrepreneur looked at the site and moved on.

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