The Seattle Center and the Sonics have begun the process of selecting a design firm to come up with a plan for long-range improvements and remodeling of KeyArena.

Today is the deadline for design firms to apply to be part of the project to create a "Concept Plan and Program for Enhancements to KeyArena," according to the letter inviting applicants for the project.

The design firm will be paid out of a pool of $4.6 million set aside for improvements and enhancements to the building.

"It's really to explore what are the next generation of opportunities for the building," said Terry McLaughlin, the Sonics' executive vice president of administration. "We're halfway through the term of the lease with KeyArena, it's time to begin to explore what needs there may be in the building when the lease expires in 2010."

KeyArena is eight years old, and the Sonics are now midway through their 15-year lease in the building. The $4.6 million was designated at the start of the lease with the intention of using it for facility improvements during the upcoming season.

"In 2003-04 you hit that mid-mark, and the building may need some upgrades," said Kym Allen, the Seattle Center's director of communications and public affairs. "So the sub-fund was established so you could make those upgrades."

The building has had some changes, such as the new scoreboard and a digital readerboard encircling the arena. A new sound system that included microphones in the nets was also added before last season, and there will continue to be improvements this year.

But the design team will be looking at more than just the best way to spend the current allotment of $4.6 million for renovations, said McLaughlin. It's taking some of that money and coming up with a more far-reaching plan that could include expansion of the building's facade, restaurants, seating clubs or other improvements.

A design firm will be selected in September with the goal of having a plan in place by January 2004.