I:\CR\HISTORIC PRESERVATION\Landmarks Commission\06 Landmarks\Minutes\051006.doc Members Michael Fast, Chair Roger Johnson, Vice Chair Greg Benton Ross Buffington Elizabeth Chambers Kim Davenport Phillip Hill Tim McDonald Mark McIntire Patrick O'Neil William Osborne Jonathan Phillips Catherine Sleavin Kathryn Longwell, North Slope Ex Officio Staff MINUTES Landmarks Preservation Commission Community and Economic Development Department Date: May 10, 2006 LPC 51/06 Location: 728 St. Helens, Tacoma Municipal Building North, Room 16 Commission Members in Attendance: Roger Johnson, Vice-Chair Greg Benton Ross Buffington Elizabeth Chambers Kim Davenport Phillip Hill Tim McDonald Mark McIntire Patrick O Neil William Osborne (arrived at 5:09) Jonathan Phillips (left at 5:23) Kathryn Longwell, N Slope Ex-Officio Commission Members Excused: Michael Fast, Chair Catherine Sleavin Staff Present: Donna Bosinski, Office Assistant Others Present: Gene Grulich Eugenia Woo, National Bank of Tacoma Eugene Kester, Washington School Susan Ryan, Washington School Jeff Ryan, Washington School Sharon Winters, Washington School/Lincoln High School Laurie and Michael Davenport, Lincoln High School Debbie Winskill, Washington School/Lincoln High School Blake Bolton, History Museum Ko Wibowo, McGranahan Architects Kathryn Van Wagenen, Century Park Linda Bowman, Century Park Debby Abe, The News Tribune Vice-Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:02 p. m. 1. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (April 12, 2006) The minutes of April 12, 2006, were approved, as submitted. B. EXCUSAL OF ABSENCES Vice-Chair Johnson indicated that Chair Fast was the only excused absence. [note: Commissioner Sleavin did request excusal for this meeting.] 2. NOMINATIONS Vice-Chair Johnson indicated that there were unusual circumstances taking place, in that there were nominations for the National Register, as well as for the City of Tacoma s Register of Historic Places. Mr. McKnight was asked to explain the differences between registers. Mr. McKnight said that the Tacoma Register listing follows procedures that are outlined in the Municipal Code, under Chapter 13.07.050, and consists of a minimum of two separate Commission meetings for consideration. The initial meeting determines whether or not the property meets the threshold criteria in the ordinance for age and integrity. The Commission may then have the nomination scheduled for a public hearing and comment period, at which time the public may enter comments into the record for consideration. Owner consent is not required for the Commission to recommend designation. He continued to state the effects of listing on the Tacoma Register: Exterior design changes and alterations must be reviewed by the Landmarks Commission for compatibility with the historic character of the building. Projects that require review under SEPA that are on, or near the site may require measures to avoid impacts to the listed structure. Properties
LPC Minutes 05/10/06, p. 2 subject to property taxes may qualify for the Special Tax Valuation Program. Future use of the property is not restricted by this designation. In conclusion, Mr. McKnight stated that the purpose of this review is to determine whether the nominated property meets the threshold criteria and shall be scheduled for public testimony. Mr. McKnight continued: Review of National Register nominations are advisory actions on behalf of the local government to comment and make recommendations to the Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Commission may recommend listing on the register, may oppose listing, or may defer any comments. These recommendations, along with any received from the Mayor or City Council, will be forwarded to the SHPO. If both the Mayor/Council and the Landmarks Preservation Commission oppose the nomination, it is denied. If either supports the nomination, it will be forwarded to the Advisory Council. The National Register listing, by itself, does not restrict future alterations, nor does it effect future use of the property. The purpose of this review is to make a recommendation to the Advisory Council regarding the historic significance of the nominated property. A. National Bank of Tacoma Building (1123 Pacific Avenue) Mr. McKnight proceeded to give his Staff Report by stating that this structure is nominated for both the National Register, as well as the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1921, and retains much of its exterior physical appearance and character. To be eligible for National Register listing, the property must meet the seven standards of integrity, as well as one of four listed criteria. To be eligible for nomination to the Tacoma Register, the property must be at least 50 years old at the time of nomination, and the property retain its integrity. Mr. McKnight noted that Staff recommends inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C, and that the local register nomination be forwarded for public comments at a future hearing. Ms. Eugenia Woo, of Artifacts Consulting, began by mentioning the location of the bank. She said that the building is associated with broad patterns of history leading to the development of downtown Tacoma as a commercial center. The bank was hailed as a monument to the city s financial security. From 1921 to 1971, the bank operated a well-regarded financial institution in the building, which served as its headquarters. She explained that the bank was a result of a merger between Pacific National Bank and The National Bank of Commerce, in 1913. The bank exemplifies the work of one of the most prominent and prolific architecture firms in Tacoma, Sutton and Whitney. Ms. Woo made some comparisons between the National Register listing nomination and the Tacoma Register. The significance is not necessarily for its architectural style, but more for its association with Sutton and Whitney. She reported that most of the windows of the building were changed out in 1960, as well as other changes over the years, but the original vault in the basement is still existing. Mr. Michael Sullivan, of Artifacts Consulting, continued the presentation of the history behind the National Bank of Tacoma and noted that the nomination is part of a rehabilitation project that is getting underway on the building. He continued to report that, in 1970, Mr. Alan Liddle was instrumental with the conversion to the Tacoma Art Museum. Mr. Sullivan indicated that Mr. Liddle s modifications are merely thirty-five years old, and therefore, not old enough to be significant. However, they have been treating his modifications as being worthy of retention. I move that the Landmarks Preservation Commission recommends inclusion on the National Register for the National Bank of Tacoma as fitting Criteria A and C. Motion: Passed Commissioner McDonald recused himself from the vote. I move that the Landmarks Preservation Commission finds that the National Bank of Washington meets sufficient criteria for consideration for the Tacoma Register, Criteria A, B, and D; and that we forward this to a public hearing for comment. Commissioner McDonald again recused himself.
LPC Minutes 05/10/06, p. 3 B. Washington School (3701 North 26 th Street) After introducing Mr. Jeff Ryan, of Ryan Architecture, Vice-Chair Johnson asked for the Staff Report. Mr. McKnight reported that the Washington School is nominated to both the National Register, as well as the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. It is located in the Proctor District and is the oldest operating elementary school in Tacoma. The property is nominated under Criteria A, B, and C for the National Register. The threshold criteria for Tacoma Register listing are listed under 13.07.040B(1), which states that the property must be at least 50 years old and that it retains its integrity. On the basis of the above-mentioned criteria, Staff recommends that the Landmarks Preservation Commission recommends inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, and that the local register nomination be forwarded for public comments at a future hearing. Mr. Ryan stated that the Washington School building has been mentioned numerous times, by many people, over the years, as wanting to nominate it for the register; however, no one has ever followed through with it. He said he was asked by the Washington-Hoyt PTA to put the nomination together on their behalf. The location of the school was selected because of its proximity to the trolley line. It is the oldest non-residential building in the Proctor District. It opened on the same day as Stadium High School and, as a result, it received no fanfare whatsoever. Mr. Ryan s research indicates that, in fact, Washington School was constructed from surplus materials from Stadium High School. In conclusion, it was noted that the building is very historically important to the area. Chair Johnson invited Mr. Peter Wall of the Tacoma School District to address the Commission. Mr. Wall stated that the School District was deferring comments until the public hearing phase of the designation. There was no public comment. I move that the Landmarks Preservation Commission supports the placement of Washington School on the National Register, and forward that to the State Historic Preservation office, noting the Criteria A, B, and C. There was no further discussion on the motion. Commissioner Phillips proceeded to make a motion for placement on the Tacoma Register: I move that the Landmarks Preservation Commission finds the criteria sufficient for placement on the Tacoma Historic Register, and forward this to a public meeting for comment, subsequent vote, and forward to the City Council for their determination. C. Lincoln High School (701 S 37 th Street) Vice-Chair Johnson recognized Laurie and Michael Davenport, who nominated Lincoln High School for placement on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. Mr. McKnight gave the Staff Report, noting that the threshold criteria for listing is that the property is at least 50 years old, and the property retains its historic integrity. Lincoln is an excellent example of the Collegiate Gothic style, and was designed by Frederick Heath. Staff recommends that the local register nomination be forwarded for public comments at a future hearing. Ms. Davenport stated that she lives about one block from Lincoln High School. She reported that, at the time the school was built in 1913, it was considered to be extravagant and expensive. Mr. Davenport said that, in 1955 he listened to Elvis Presley, who was performing at the Lincoln Bowl. He stated that it is rather strange that the school is not proposed for the National Register. Ms. Davenport added that there are numerous well-known sports people who are graduates of Lincoln. The Davenport s are extremely passionate about Lincoln High School s worthiness of being placed on the Tacoma Register.
LPC Minutes 05/10/06, p. 4 There was no public comment. We, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, find that the nomination for Lincoln High School meets the threshold criteria, and recommend that the nomination be forwarded for public comment and future hearing. Motion: McIntire Second: Benton Commissioner Davenport recused herself from the vote. Mr. McKnight indicated that he will inform all parties when the public hearing is scheduled. 3. DESIGN REVIEW A. 1911 Pacific Avenue Mr. McKnight gave his Staff Report to install a donor wall/monument sign, adjacent to the Washington State History Museum, located in the Union Station Conservation District. The project would entail the removal of the existing concrete and iron fence and installation of a new brick and metal monument with a donor wall, as well as the creation of a platform for the installation of a locomotive sculpture on the sloping ground adjacent to the Union Square. Staff recommends consideration and approval of this application under Union Station Design Guideline, Number 3, materials The proposed sign and material palette appears consistent with the design guidelines for the district and will not harm or obscure historic fabric. Mr. Wibowo introduced Linda Bowman and Kathryn Van Wagenen, both of Save Our Station. He stated that this project has two components: The donor wall, which will be located between Century Park and Washington State History Museum, and will display an artifact from the original exterior cupola of the dome of the Union Station; as well as the Minnetonka locomotive sculpture, which will be located just to the North of the park. Ms. Bowman gave some history of Century Park, which began back in the 1980 s, when Save Our Station was first formed by the community. She stated that the park is designed to be an inspirational place, which was the outcome of the concerned citizens who had a desire to save such an historic landmark, known as Union Station. Ms. Van Wagenen gave some background about the locomotive sculpture, created by Dan Klennert, a local artist. Mr. Klennert utilized pieces of the history of Washington State by incorporating recycled items from different industries throughout the State and made them into the sculpture. Commissioner Buffington inquired if the sculpture would be able to be seen from both the Plaza and Pacific Avenue. Mr. Wibowo said that it would. Ms. Bowman explained that the Federal Courts have already approved the design. Upon noting that there were no further comments or discussion, Vice-Chair Johnson asked for a motion. There was a motion: I move that the Landmarks Preservation Commission approve the application for the Century Park proposal, as presented, indicating that it meets Criteria #3, under Union Station Design Guidelines. Motion: Buffington 4. CHAIR COMMENTS Vice-Chair Johnson had no comments to share. 5. BOARD BUSINESS/PRESERVATION PLANNING
LPC Minutes 05/10/06, p. 5 Mr. McKnight talked about the previous week s Tacoma Historical Society s Grand Homes Tour, explained that the upcoming Historical Churches Tour was completely booked to capacity, but that the Nomination Workshop was still lacking interest. Mr. McKnight explained that there was some difficulty in getting on the City Council s Agenda to present awards for Preservation Week nominations. He stated that June 13, 2006, would be the tentative date for the awards. A letter, from Mayor Baarsma, requesting that the Landmarks Preservation Commission approve the renaming of Pacific Plaza to that of the Harold M. Tollefson Pacific Plaza was received. Mr. McKnight asked for a motion to schedule a public hearing for the name change and put out public notice. There was a motion to set the public hearing date for June 14, 2006. Motion: McIntire Mr. McKnight informed the Commission that Verizon Wireless has decided to appeal the denial for cellular array to be erected atop Spark Park garage. He reported that members would be notified of any hearing dates. ### Commissioner Hill talked about Art-at-Work Month, which begins in November 2006. He said that more fanfare is expected than in previous years. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m. Submitted as True and Correct: