Everett Historical Commission

Everett Historical Commission Minutes February 26, 2019 Members Present Members Excused Speaking Visitors City Staff Arnold Morrison City Council Liaison, Liz Vogeli David Stalheim Laura Cameron-Behee Amelia Hieb Glen Hunter Andrea Tucker Thomas Feeney Patrick Hall Neil Anderson Jack O’Donnell Steve Fox Dave Ramstad CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the VAN VALEY HOUSE, 2130 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair Morrison called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Introduction of Commissioners. CITIZEN COMMENTS Megan Dunn stated that she was running for County Council Position 2. She has a long history of caring about historical preservation. She stated that as a Planning Commissioner, she encouraged Commission to write a memo asking for a review of the historic preservation plan and the historic overlays to make the plan much stronger in preserving historic structures. She lives in an historic home in the Lowell neighborhood. She thanked Commission for their community service. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Hunter stated that a long-time resident Leon Van Rossen passed away. He was a 1957 Everett High graduate. Many attended the service at Floral Hall. He added that another long time neighborhood resident Brad Pilkington was in the hospital. He coordinated the Veteran’s Day celebrations over the years. Commissioner Anderson attended an event at the Everett Public Library for Steve Bertrand who commemorated the Paine Field inaugural flight of the first Boeing 747 in his book titled Modern Everett. He grew up in Everett and graduated from Cascade High School. Commissioner Hall stated that Everett School District has hired a salvage contractor and they are voting on that on Tuesday. This is a piecemeal approach to demolition. He encouraged concerned citizens to testify before the Everett School District Board on March 5, 2019. On March 1, 2019 Historic Everett will be holding a “heart bombing” at the Longfellow Building to show their appreciation of that historic building. Commissioner Fox reported that he visited a property at 26th and Virginia where there is a home under remodel. Originally, he was concerned that the expansion of the home towards the back would be Page 1 of 3 pretty imposing; however, he stated the expansion did not look bad and blended in well with the neighborhood. Commissioner Ramstad stated that a 1907 mansion at 4220 Colby had been a girl’s home along with other purposes over the years. Currently, the building is a 6-unit apartment building. The new owner added a massive addition; however, they took great care to preserve the original house. Commissioner O’Donnell mentioned that the last maple tree was removed on the 2100 block of Rucker Avenue. Big Leaf Maple trees were the tree of choice for street trees in the Puget Sound area once upon a time. When he was on the tree committee, the last Maple tree on the 1600 block of Rucker was removed. Maple trees have been replaced with other trees in the landscape medians and along the sidewalks. Commissioner Morrison asked Commissioner Ramstad about the building at the Beverly Park intersection. Commissioner O’Donnell stated that the original structure was a gas station and store with living quarters upstairs. Commissioner Tucker added that the property sold as a single-family residence. Chair Morrison sated that in Redmond there is an LLC suing owners for ADA noncompliance. Commissioner Tucker just attended a workshop on ADA compliance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioners amended the minutes to change who made the motion on the election of officers from Hall to Anderson; Bertram to Bertrand, Heib to Hieb, and work plan comment made by Commissioner Hall. Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the January 22, 2019 minutes. Motion seconded by Commissioner Tucker. Motion passed unanimously. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA None PUBLIC HEARING NOMINATION FOR 1927 RUCKER Commissioner O’Donnell provided a brief overview. Devan Miller, 1927 Rucker Avenue, stated that they have been working on the interior and outside of the house. In the future, they would like to secure the foundation (pillar and post), and restore the windows. Commissioner Ramstad asked about the foundation and floors. Ms. Miller responded that there are noticeable dips in the floors. Her husband worked on the floors and in the mudroom where he hand sanded and stained. Jeremy Lerond, engineering firm, stated that the estimate to replace the old post and piers, and pour the concrete strip footing was $130,000, which they felt was too high. MOTION: Commissioner O’Donnell motioned to add the property to the Everett Register. Motion seconded by Commissioner Tucker. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING NOMINATION FOR 2108 RUCKER David Stalheim, Long Range Planning Manager, stated that the property has been to Historic Commission for design review. He is requesting that the property be added to the Everett Register after which he will pursue the Special Valuation program. Gary Nelson stated that he along with others purchased the building to restore. They worked closely with the City and Historical Commission on the design review. The building was converted from single family to a 6-unit apartment building. They kept entryway completely in tack, rebuilt the front porch, Page 2 of 3 and added an addition on the south side. During the demolition, they removed all the trim, face boards, doors, and locks to a container and reused 90% of those materials in the remodel. Also saved all the flooring. They also secured the block foundation. The building meets the 2015 building codes. David Johnson stated that he enjoys working on historic structures and takes pride in that work. Commissioner Fox stated that the property looked great. Chair Morrison added that this type of project was what he would like to see happen. Commissioner O’Donnell commented that the entire block is intact. This was in the 11th hour to save. It provides housing and special valuation for historic preservation and a perfect example of how special valuation should be applied. MOTION: Commissioner Hunter motioned to add the property to the Everett Register. Motion seconded by Commissioner Feeney. Motion passed unanimously. DESIGN REVIEWS None BROWN AWARDS Commissioner Tucker provided an update. The event is scheduled for the Weyerhaeuser Room on May 4 from 10-12. Commissioner O’Donnell would like to have pictures presented at the next meeting. Commissioner Tucker stated that Historic Everett would sponsor the event and would like to have information regarding the number of plaques, will send out postcards regarding the event, and provide refreshments after the event. Commissioner O’Donnell asked if any commissioners knew of any other homes in other neighborhoods. Discussion of possible properties. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Brown Awards Update. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Hall reminded Commissioners about the National Main Street Conference. Commissioner Anderson thought that there was some discussion about adding historic photos to the pedestrian bridge from Grand Avenue Park. He asked if Public Works was working on that. Mr. Stalheim stated that he would follow-up with Public Works staff. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cameron-Behee moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:09 pm. Page 3 of 3