Revitalizing Pioneer Square…Again

Positive things are happening in Pioneer Square:

• Check out the new outdoor market, Seattle Square, on Saturdays 11 am to 5 pm, through the end of September.
• The Pioneer Square Community Association changed its name to The Alliance for Pioneer Square which is focusing on a “Main Street” model to revitalize the community and business climate.
• Here’s a cool neighborhood blog to follow, The New Pioneer Square.
• Read Knute Berger’s recent Crosscut article on the future of Pioneer Square and using historic preservation as an economic development tool.

Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board Positions Open, Deadline to Apply is August 25, 2010

From a news release issued by the Office of the Mayor. NOTE: This is an updated release.

New Members Sought for Landmarks Preservation Board

SEATTLE – Mayor Mike McGinn invites applicants for two openings on the Landmarks Preservation Board, one (1) Architect position, one (1) Historian position, one (1) Finance position.

The 12-member Landmarks Preservation Board makes recommendations to the City Council for landmark designation and reviews all proposed physical alterations to designated features of landmark properties.

The Board is composed of two architects, two historians, one structural engineer, one representative each from the fields of real estate and finance, one member from the City Planning Commission, a Get Engaged member, and three members at-large.  All appointments are made by the Mayor and are confirmed by City Council.

Board meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 p.m. The architect members also serve on the Board’s Architectural Review Committee.  Board responsibilities require a commitment of at least 10 to 15 hours a month.

Boeing Plant 2’s Place in History: Gone?

Rendering of Boeing Plant 2 from Asahel Curtis Photo, ca. 1936 / Source: UW Special Collections

QUESTION: What do you get when you combine a powerful private corporation (Boeing), a City government that has no preservation ordinance (City of Tukwila), and a hulk of a utilitarian structure that happens to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (Boeing Plant 2) but is proposed for demolition?

ANSWER: You get a City agency declaring a “Determination of Non-Significance” through SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) that the proposed demolition of Boeing Plant 2 does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. How is it possible to propose that a National Register-eligible historic property be demolished, and yet not have this action be considered a significant adverse impact? It just doesn’t make sense.

Historic Everett Tours Coming Up

First Presbyterian Church, Everett / Postcard Collection of Jack O'Donnell

Historic Churches of Everett Tour
July 17, 1-4pm, Saturday
Starts at Trinity Episcopal Church
2301 Hoyt Avenue; $15 public/$10 members, any heritage group

Inspired by this year’s 100th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church and a popular 2010 calendar, local churches will hold an open house day this summer for visitors to explore and learn about unique architecture, amazing stained glass, and wonderful halls of worship. Preservation group Historic Everett has included eight historic sacred places to share with the public in this once in a decade local tour. Many of the churches will feature short performances and refreshments. They will be open from 1-4pm and tickets with maps will be available on the day of the event.

Almost 200 People Turn Out to Say “This Place Matters” at Alki Homestead on July 4th

An enthusiastic group gathers in front of the Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge to declare, "This Place Matters!" / Photo: Jean Sherrard (Click on the photo to enlarge)

The mantra of “This Place Matters” was uttered repeatedly by 201 people gathered to experience history-in-the-making at a mass photo shoot on the street in front of the landmark Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge in West Seattle. Many wore buttons declaring “This Place Matters.” The preservation gods must have been paying attention because gray skies gave way to sunshine during the program and photo shoot. The community event attracted people of all ages who came together to say, “This Place Matters.” There were those who remembered the building before it was a restaurant. Many others present had fond memories of gatherings in the Homestead Restaurant. There were even a few attendees who were not yet born when the structure suffered fire damage and closed in January 2009.