Everett Historical Commission

APPROVED Everett Historical Commission Minutes May 23, 2017 Members Present Members Excused Visitors City Staff Allan White Steve Fox David Stalheim Andrea Tucker Kathy Davis Arnold Morrison Niels Tygesen Dave Ramstad Paul Popelka Glenn Hunter Jack O’Donnell Laura Cameron-Behee Neil Anderson Patrick Hall William Vincent CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room in Everett City Hall at 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair Cameron-Behee called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chair Cameron-Behee welcomed Commissioner Hall as a newly appointed member of the Historical Commission. She and Commissioner O’Donnell also expressed thanks for the successful Brown Awards program. Commissioner O’Donnell noted the demolition of the foursquare house at 3214 Kromer and the imminent demolition of the house at 2602 Cleveland, a long neglected house. He also questioned the status of the house and property at 812 35 th St. Planner Popelka noted that the City is reviewing an application for a short subdivision (short plat) for single-family lots on the undeveloped area of the property. The main house will be preserved. Commissioner Anderson visited Chianti, the new Italian restaurant on Hewitt. He commented on the signage and called for code regulations for signage in historic districts as a possible work item for the Commission. Commissioner Hall reported on the RevitalizeWA conference and DAHP’s interest in working with local Historic Commissions on disaster planning. He suggested that this topic be on a future agenda. He also noted the continuing renovation on the Carnegie Building. Commissioner Ramstad announced that the Anchor Bar tenant is purchasing the building for his business. He also met a new resident to Everett who is interested in volunteer opportunities with the City, including boards and commissions. Commissioner Morrison reported that his firm is working with Trinity Episcopal Church on Hoyt to address wall, window and water damage. He found a set of original drawings for the church windows. Commissioner Tucker reported that Cocoon House has closed on the Colby property and will be demolishing the Methodist Church building. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner O’Donnell moved to approve the May 23, 2017 minutes as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ramstad. Motion passed unanimously. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions to the agenda. METRO EVERETT SUBAREA PLAN Planner Tygesen presented an update of the Metro Everett planning work to date. He announced a Public Open House/Workshop on June 9 at the Everett Performing Arts Center and engaged the Commission in the review and discussion of the following: • Existing zoning (11districts) and proposed zoning (3 districts – Urban Core, Urban Residential, and Urban Industrial • Existing and proposed building heights • Street classifications (retail, mixed use, pedestrian-oriented street corridors) • Off street parking regulations and practices • Model zoning requirements for regulations for buildings and street frontages The zoning and regulations for Metro Everett will provide the basis for updating and simplifying the entire zoning code over time. The next steps for the Metro Everett Plan involve drafting the plan, public meetings in the fall, and review with the Planning Commission in late 2017 and early 2018. City Council will consider plan adoption in 2018. BANK OF EVERETT (COPE-GILLETTE THEATRE) Planner Popelka reviewed the timeline and history of the Bank of Everett and its locations over the years. The accuracy of its original location along Hewitt was confirmed and the nomination will be revised to reflect the correct location. The June Commission meeting will include a staff presentation and complete report on the criteria for listing the building, a public hearing, and action to forward a recommendation to City Council. Page 2 of 3 2017 GRANT FOR DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS ASSESSMENT The first draft of the Buildings Assessment Report/Toolkit was submitted for review and comments. Planner Popelka reviewed the draft contents for the ten representative buildings and typical conditions and materials addressed in the report. One suggestion was to include before and after building photos (e.g., Monte Cristo). Commissioner Hall noted historic building projects in Bellingham and referred to Robert Hall, Bellingham developer and author of This Old Building: A Guide to Buying, Restoring & Managing Historical Commercial Property. The final report, to be presented at a public workshop in July (date TBD), will also include benefits of maintenance and preservation, technical resources and funding sources. MILWAUKEE ROAD DEPOT Howie Bargreen, the property owner, is considering redeveloping all or part of the property. He is looking for a buyer to relocate the building, though moving the building may be difficult as it sets on cedar logs with no foundation. Redevelopment may involve removing part of the building and expanding the Penske parking lot. No action is planned for at least two years, and Bargreen has rented the former café space for offices. He has offered a tour of the building for Commissioners. The building is not listed on any historic register; demolishing or moving the building would require standard building permits from the City. Commission members discussed various options, but the depot building is not a viable long-term use. The Metro Everett plan calls for a light rail station and related high density, mixed-use development in this area. PROJECT UPDATES Planner Popelka gave an update on the Mill Town Trail signage program. Mile markers will be included; staff is working out the final details of the signage, a possible website and brochure. Installation would be done over the summer. He also mentioned that painting of stucco and the elevator tower at the Police Station has been finished. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items include a FUNKO application for painting the brick façade of the building. This would require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historical Commission and Planning Director. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner White moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hall. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:12pm. Page 3 of 3