Everett Historical Commission

FINAL Everett Historical Commission Minutes July 26, 2016 Members Present Members Absent Visitors City Staff Alan White Dale Good Susan Boyle (BOLA) Paul Popelka Arnold Morrison Mark Soine Sonja Molchany (BOLA) Ross Johnson Bill Vincent Barb Cummins Bobby Olsen Dorothy Vognild Glenn Hunter Susan & Daryl Presley Jack O’Donnell Debra McAuley Laura Cameron-Behee Florence Englet Neil Anderson Sue Closser Steve Fox CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Valey House at 2130 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair O’Donnell called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair O’Donnell called for action on the June 28 meeting minutes. Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the June 28, 2016 minutes as amended. Motion seconded by Commissioner Vincent. Motion passed unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Hunter reported issues with tagging in his neighborhood on Baker Ave, including tagging of dumpsters. He noted that Rubatino responded very quickly to repaint the dumpsters. Commissioner Anderson suggested the Commission prepare a letter of appreciation to the Port of Everett for preserving and reusing the Weyerhauser Building. The group agreed by consensus, and Planner Popelka offered to prepare the letter. Commissioner Fox announced a Historic Everett event for a Mill Town Trail bike tour at 6pm Thursday, July 28. Larry O’Donnell will be sharing stories along the tour. Page 1 of 3 ADDITIONS TO AGENDA The item for Everett Library Window Replacement was pulled from the agenda for later presentation. Chair O’Donnell added an agenda item for Drew Kelly, a Boy Scout who is planning an Eagle Scout project in honor of Captain Ramwell at the existing pocket park at Warren/Vernon Avenue. There were no other additions to the agenda. CLAREMONT HEIGHTS INVENTORY Susan Boyle and Sonja Molchany from BOLA Architecture + Planning gave a presentation of their work for Claremont Heights. Their discussion included the following highlights: • Context of the post war period lifestyles and demands for housing • Levittown NY as the first mass produced suburb where houses were built in 30 hours using prefabricated components and systems • Development of Claremont by the Everett Improvement Company, with the first house in 1925; most homes were built from 1949-1954 (60% were built between 1949-1951) • Lots are larger, typically 70’x120, for generous house layout and yard areas • Review of typical house styles, orientation to the street, interior layout, design features like overhangs and garages, and building materials • Potential for additional inventories for the remaining Claremont Neighborhood and for establishing a historic district or local historic overlay zone EVERETT POLICE STATION Scott Pattison from City of Everett Facilities gave a presentation on the façade work to be done at the Police Station. The restoration will include: • Power washing, tuckpointing, and sealcoating the entire building • Bricks to be removed and replaced one-by-one with goal to preserve every brick • Seismic upgrades to complete previous work on the building parapets • Work to begin mid-August, finish by mid-October (weather dependent) The Commission asked that the silo and building additions (glass and metal “wings”) on the upper floor be painted to better match the building brick. METRO EVERETT HISTORIC BUILDING SURVEY Two buildings - 2820 Oakes and 2821 Wetmore - have been discussed in past meetings for consideration as contributing buildings to the Hewitt Avenue National Historic District. Chair O’Donnell questioned why these are now non-contributing buildings. Sonja Molchany from BOLA led a discussion of the two buildings: • Architectural integrity is an important factor determined by the number of changes to the original building • Both buildings are single story where changes may affect a large part of the building; these kinds of buildings are important to the larger historic setting and streetscape • Modifications may not affect the building integrity if they are compatible with the original historic character  • Wetmore building may have too many alterations to qualify as a contributing building • Oakes building now has large, contemporary storefronts • “Klinker” style brick on Oakes building may not be original; need confirmation of original construction to support change to contributing building • Oakes build date of 1920 with construction over the railroad tunnel The Commission and consultant held an extensive discussion of the two buildings and agreed to pursue classifying these as contributing buildings. Commission members will do further research, and Planner Popelka will work with Michael Houser at DAHP for further action. EVERETT MASSACRE Planner Popelka noted previous ideas for temporary interpretive/display boards on the site, possibly with help from other groups or businesses. He also reviewed the on-going planning for Metro Everett which includes concepts for improving Lower Hewitt (Hoyt to the waterfront). The plan includes street and sidewalk improvements, expanded bike paths, and park/plaza space at Hewitt/Bond at the railroad bridge. The park space may be done as part of the mitigation required from BNSF railroad for removing the existing bridge and closing pedestrian access to the waterfront. Chair O’Donnell and other Commissioners will coordinate with the Everett Library and Historic Everett. DREW KELLY EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT Chair O’Donnell reported on the Captain Ramwell displays organized by Commissioner Vincent at the Elks Club on July 20. At that meeting, Drew Kelly, a Boy Scout working in his Eagle Scout project, presented his proposal to improve the existing pocket park at Warren/Vernon Avenue. His proposal includes improving drainage, creating an overlook and recognition of Captain Ramwell and area history, all by December 2016. A small monument for Captain Ramwell, similar to the JJ Hill monument, could also be included. The area is owned by the Parks Department, but maintained by a neighbor. Kelly is planning to meet with the Port Gardner neighborhood and has been in contact with Public Works. He needs help in contacting the correct staff at Public Works; it was suggested that Wendy McClure be included in the next phone contact. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Items for the October 25, 2016 meeting may include: • Update on Everett Massacre Anniversary • Metro Everett/Lower Hewitt Planning • Update of 2017 DAHP Grant for Downtown Building Assessment ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Page 3 of 3