ADVISORY/Washington Mutual Unveils Design of New WaMu Center.

WHEN:      Friday, April 29, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:     Kerry Park - Queen Anne

WHAT:      It's been several years since the city of Seattle has
           experienced such a dramatic change to its skyline.  But
           that's all about to change with the addition of Washington
           Mutual's new headquarter building - WaMu Center.  With the
           building progressing at a steady pace, the anticipation of
           what the new building with look like is rising and we think
           Seattleites have waited long enough.  This Friday the wait
           is over as the design of WaMu Center will be unveiled.
           Since the new building will truly change the Emerald city's
           skyline, we've invited a group of five young artists from
           Coe elementary to join the event at Kerry Park and paint
           their version of how the skyline will appear with the
           addition of WaMu Center. The unveiling marks an exciting
           milestone in the history of the company as well as the
           history of Seattle.

WHO:       Benson Porter, Washington Mutual's chief administrative
            officer
           Coe Elementary - Master Art Program students

WHY:       Washington Mutual has been headquartered in Seattle since
           1889 -- longer than any other large company in this area
           and our roots were planted firmly during a critical time in
           Seattle's history following the Great Seattle Fire. The
           project's benefits are being widely felt as Washington
           Mutual funnels $7.4 million into a host of projects that
           will enhance the livability of downtown in areas such as
           affordable housing, childcare and cultural initiatives.
           As we've grown across the country -- one thing remains:
           we have always been a hometown company and WaMu Center
           solidifies our commitment to Seattle.

CONTACT:   Darcy Donahoe-Wilmot
           206.377.3635 (work)
           or
           425.444.2500 (cell)