SEATTLE -- King County will sell the north half of the Qwest Field north parking lot for more than $10 million to developers.

The area is planned to include 1,000 apartments and condos, parking and retail and a grocery store.

“Those who worry about losing their parking need not worry ... we're replacing those precious 500 parking spots within the project,” Councilmember Dow Constantine said.

Parking will include 500 spots for the eventual residents and 500 spots to replace those that are there now.

The area is currently key to what are called “flat shows” at the exhibition center. The auto, boat and RV shows use the area for staging and say losing the area could be a big problem.

“Flat show industry is very, very important to this region, but this development is incredibly important to Seattle, and to Pioneer Square and I think a statement for the region," County Executive Ron Sims said.