Everett Historical Commission

APPROVED Everett Historical Commission Minutes September 27, 2016 Members Present Members Absent Visitors City Staff Alan White Mark Soine Andrea Tucker Allan Giffen Arnold Morrison Brent Diamond, FUNKO Carol Thomas Bill Vincent Brian Mariotti, FUNKO David Stahlheim Dale Good Chris Winters Kembra Landrey Glenn Hunter Dave Ramstad Lanie McMullin Jack O’Donnell Deborah Fox Paul Popelka Laura Cameron-Behee Diane Wright Ross Johnson Neil Anderson Judy Touhy, City Council Steve Fox Larry Wold Ron Jacobs, Berry Sign Tracy Dobbs, FUNKO CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room in Everett City Hall at 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair O’Donnell called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair O’Donnell called for action on the September 27 meeting minutes. Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the September 27, 2016 minutes as amended. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hunter. Motion passed unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS Dave Ramstad 1301 Pinkerton Ave, Everett WA Mr. Ramstad prefers this meeting room as Van Valey House is not set up for meetings. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Vincent agreed with Mr. Ramstad’s comments. Chair O’Donnell recognized Deb Fox for her work on the Historic Everett sponsored graphic novel about the Everett Massacre. He also noted that the plaque for the Everett Massacre is installed at the site. He announced a state sponsored 50th anniversary celebration of the National Historic Preservation Act sponsored by Senator Henry Jackson to be held on October 15 at the Historic Everett Theatre. Page 1 of 4 He also noted that the apartment building at 10th and Broadway is being replaced by with a new larger building. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA Chair O’Donnell added an item for a radio tower proposed for 1831 Colby Avenue. There were no other additions to the agenda. PUBLIC HEARING ON NAMING OF RIVERFRONT PARK Planner Popelka gave a presentation on the proposed park, its location and plans, and summarized the naming process for Eclipse Mill Park. He noted that one public comment was received in support of Eclipse Mill Park. Chair O’Donnell opened the public hearing and asked for testimony from the audience. There was no testimony and he asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner White moved to close the public hearing. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously. Chair O’Donnell asked for a motion for recommendation. Commissioner Good moved to forward a recommendation to City Council that the name of the park be Eclipse Mill Park. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously. PROPOSED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR PORT GARDNER BUILDING AT 2804 WETMORE Planner Popelka gave a summary of the application, explained the Historical Commission’s role in reviewing the application, and taking action on a Certificate of Appropriateness for compatibility of the proposed signage with the building. Major points are summarized below: • Review of the original building and theatre, past tenants, and remodeling projects from the 1960’s and 1994 • Building listed on Everett Register in 1994 with Special Valuation for building improvements • Register listing requires Historical Commission review and approval for all interior and exterior building changes • Register listing required preservation of terrazzo flooring, ornamental handrail, storefront windows and wall features (remnants) in Balboa Theatre • Proposal includes review of signage (marquee and building signs) and large figures that are classified as public art; art pieces are not subject to sign code regulations • Staff to conduct a Comprehensive Sign Plan review which allows some flexibility in applying code regulations He summarized the staff report for the Certificate of Appropriateness as follows: • No alterations to the building exterior • No impact to the historical designation or integrity of the building • Proposal meets Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties • Proposal preserves all interior features as required in the Everett Register listing • Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage Page 2 of 4 Lanie McMullin (Executive Director Economic Development) spoke in support of FUNKO, noting the significance of preserving and reusing the buildings, addition of 175 employees to downtown, benefits to the City art programs and increased tourism. Brian Marriotti (CEO, FUNKO) described the company, the organization and staff, now at 300 total employees, their customer base, and their licensing of over 11,000 licensed characters. He described plans for a ground floor museum and retail space and possible expansion into buildings south of the theatre. He responded to questions from the Commission as summarized below: • Company staying in Everett and relocating downtown where business can be seen as unique to Everett • Most of parking garage spaces are included with the building lease • Company will be reaching out to area colleges for internships in art and marketing • Figures at building and other locations will be periodically changed to reflect current pop culture (e.g., Harry Potter) • Signage will incorporate LED and neon lighting • Consideration for revising marquee sign to 45-degree angle to the building (similar to original building marquee) • Importance of repairing/restoring any building damage when installing or replacing signage • Building will be open to the public six days/week Chair O’Donnell discussed the building history and expressed support of the proposal for its period signage, no impact to the historical building, and benefits to the downtown. Commissioner Good noted that this will draw people of all ages to the downtown. Commissioner Anderson also supported the proposal for its boost to the Hewitt Historic District, its historic signage and drawing more people downtown. Chair O’Donnell called for action on the Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Cameron-Behee moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the interior and exterior modifications to the building. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously. EVERETT MASSACRE CENTENNIAL Planner Popelka discussed the on-going work for Metro Everett as part of the City’s brownfields grant. He reviewed concepts for extending Hewitt street improvements from Hoyt to the west end of Hewitt. The concepts include 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. The City is still in negotiations with the railroad regarding access to the waterfront and the Pidgeon Creek and Mill Town Trails. Page 3 of 4 Commissioner Anderson suggested retaining the railroad bridge and incorporating it into the park/plaza area. He also noted the importance of door and window openings on buildings along Hewitt. Chair O’Donnell initiated discussion of Everett Massacre programs and the role of the Historical Commission. Dave Ramstad suggested having a display with information about the commission and its historic preservation programs. Staff will check with Everett Library about a possible display of readily available materials. PROPOSED RADIO TOWER AT 1831 COLBY AVENUE Chair O’Donnell expressed concerns about a proposal to raise the height of a tower from 45’ to 70’ at the northwest corner of Colby and 19th St. Manager Stahlheim noted that the tower is being processed for a Special Use Permit and is not located within a historic overlay district. No historical regulations apply to that application. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Items for the October 25, 2016 meeting may include: • Update on October 6 Metro Everett Public Meeting • Detached Accessory Dwelling Units ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m. Page 4 of 4