Alki Homestead: “This Place Matters” Photo Shoot and Rally, July 4, 1:30 pm

Research Tips for Finding Info on Seattle Architects

Architects Card Catalog, Seattle Public Library / Photo: Eugenia Woo

A lot of historical information about Seattle architects can be found online these days which makes research much easier. But there’s more info available only at the Central Branch of the Seattle Public Library and at UW Special Collections. Some history detective work is needed but that’s part of the fun. Here are some tips for researching architects using local resources (not an exhaustive list, but a good start).

Seattle Public Library Architects Card Catalog and Scrapbooks:

These resources are located on the 10th floor Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room of the Central Branch Seattle Public Library. Many of Seattle’s architects from the twentieth century (particularly the mid-twentieth century) are represented in the catalog. You can find index cards of architects by alphabetical order that feature references about their work or biographical information. The Architects Scrapbooks contain news clippings about Seattle architects and their projects.  These scrapbooks (now contained in archival boxes), are locked up in a glass case in the Seattle Room near the Architects Card Catalog. Just ask the reference librarian on duty for assistance.

“America’s Great Outdoors” Listening Session in Seattle, July 1st

“AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS” LISTENING SESSION IN SEATTLE NEXT THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 1^st

MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD: RSVP THIS WEEK!

On April 16, President Barack Obama launched a national dialogue on conservation and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors.  As part of this initiative, the Department of the Interior is hosting a “listening session” in Seattle on Thursday evening, July 1^st (details below.)   The session, one of a series being held around the country, offers members of the public to share some of the smart, creative ways communities are conserving outdoor spaces and to reconnecting Americans to the outdoors.

It is urgent that the heritage community voice support for the recognition of cultural resources within the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.  Public input from the listening sessions will be collected and compiled by the White House Council on Environmental Quality for a report to the President in September.

Ode to the Bungalow: Landmarks Preservation Board Designates West Seattle Bungalow as a Landmark

The Bloss House was designated a Seattle Landmark on June 16, 2010 / Photo: Historic Seattle

History was made on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, when the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board voted 8-2 to designate the Bloss House, a 1915 Craftsman style bungalow in West Seattle’s Admiral district. The house’s site, exterior and the living and dining rooms were included in the designation. The Bloss House was designated under Criterion D of the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance, which states that a resource embodies the distinctive visible characteristics of an architectural style, period, or method of construction. The Bloss House embodies the Craftsman style bungalow and retains much of its original features. The Board recognized the Bloss House as a fine example of the more modestly scaled and common bungalow. These types of houses define Seattle’s residential neighborhoods. While they may be common, the Bloss House’s high integrity on both the exterior and interior make it stand out. The Board took a big step in acknowledging the significance of everyday architecture. 

Washington Hall Among Seattle-Puget Sound Historic Sites Awarded Preservation Grants

From a news release issued by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

ELEVEN SEATTLE-PUGET SOUND HISTORIC SITES AWARDED PRESERVATION GRANTS

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Distribute $1 Million in Grants to Participants of Partners in Preservation Program

SEATTLE – June 15, 2010 – Today, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced a diverse group of 11 historic and culturally significant sites in the Seattle-Puget Sound area to receive grants for historic preservation projects. When the Seattle-Puget Sound Partners in Preservation initiative launched in April, the public voted online over a four-week period for their favorite historic places from a slate of 25 candidates across the Seattle-Puget Sound area to receive a portion of $1 million being given away in preservation grants from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

On May 13, the Schooner Adventuress was announced as the winner of the popular public vote, with 20 percent of all votes cast. A grant of $125,000 will be given to the nearly 100-year-old vessel to address damage caused by natural wear and tear. In recognition of the unparalleled photo-finish, Partners in Preservation also awarded Town Hall, runner up in the public vote with 19 percent, a grant of $125,000.

The nine additional historic sites announced today were chosen by an Advisory Committee comprised of civic and preservation leaders from the Seattle-Puget Sound area, as well as representatives from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Factors that were considered in the selection process included public voting results and community support for the project, the preservation needs of the site, historic significance, project completion ability, and the role the site plays in the community.