2010-08-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
August 12, 2010
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the P Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. He acknowledged the presence of Mayor Cooper.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Larry Vogel, Chair
Jennifer Anttila
Christine Deiner-Karr (arrived late)
John Dewhirst
Andy Eccleshall
Alan Macfarlane
Steve Waite
Michael Plunkett
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Kernen Lien, Planner
Brian McIntosh, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Manager
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Sue Bauer, Vice Chair (excused)
Eric Norenberg (excused)
COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 8, 2010 AS
PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER ANTTILA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The public hearings were placed before the committee reports. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience who expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE FRANCES
ANDERSON CULTURE CENTER FOR PLACEMENT ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Mr. Lien advised that the Frances E. Anderson Cultural Center, formerly the Edmonds Elementary School, was constructed
in 1927 and 1928, with additions in 1947 and 1952. He noted that the City currently owns the property, which is located at
700 Main Street. Prior to his leaving, Former Mayor Haakenson gave his approval for the building to be listed on the
Register. He briefly reviewed the benefits and requirements of listing a property on the Register. Then he presented the
Staff Report and reviewed how the application meets the Designation Criteria. He also reviewed the significant features of
the site. (See Staff Report for details). He pointed out that the property is associated with the City of Edmond's expansion
of the early public school system.
Mr. Lien said staff recommends the Commission find the Frances Anderson Cultural Center meets the criteria for designation
on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Staff believes that both the original 1928 structure and the 1947 and 1952
additions meet the designation criteria as a whole. The exterior of the structure contains the significant architectural features.
He provided photographs of the original Edmonds Elementary School.
Marilyn Jenkins Johnston, Edmonds, commented that she attended the Edmonds Elementary School, and Frances
Anderson was one of her teachers just two years before she retired.
Commissioner Waite discussed that sites are typically given their original name when listed on the Register. In this case, the
name of the site would be the Edmonds Elementary. They agreed the property should be listed as "The Edmonds Elementary
(Frances Anderson Cultural Center)."
BOARD MEMBER DEWHIRST MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF THE NOMINATION OF THE EDMONDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (FRANCES ANDERSON
CULTURAL CENTER) FOR PLACEMENT ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. BOARD
MEMBER ECCLESHALL SECONDED THE MOTION.
Commissioner Waite suggested the site could be divided into three units (the original that was built in 1927/1928, the first
addition that was done in 1947, and the last addition that was done in 1952). Mr. Lien noted that all three parts of the
building were used as the Edmonds Elementary. He expressed concern that because of modifications, the original structure
would not likely meet the criteria related to integrity standing on its own. However, the school, as a whole, would meet the
criteria.
Council Member Plunkett suggested the Commission consider a friendly amendment to the motion to request that the
Council President schedule the nomination as a full -council agenda item rather than a consent agenda item. That means the
full presentation would be available on the public television channel to highlight the work and talent of the Commission. Mr.
Lien noted that although the code does not require it, historically, properties not already on the National and/or State Register
have been presented to the City Council for public hearings. It was noted that the nomination is scheduled on the City
Council's extended agenda as a public hearing.
THE MOTION WAS AMENDED TO INCLUDE A REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE THE
NOMINATION FOR A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE FULL COUNCIL.
Mr. Lien reminded the Commission that, as proposed, only the exterior features of the structure would be listed on the
Register. The interior has been updated significantly over the years and would not meet the criteria related to integrity.
Commissioner Waite suggested that if the entire structure were designated on the Register, a Certificate of Appropriateness
would be required whenever significant changes are made. Mr. McIntosh cautioned against restricting the use of the inside
of the building because the functions could be changed over time. Again, Mr. Lien expressed his belief that the interior
would not meet the criteria related to integrity.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (Note: Council Member Plunkett is not a voting member of the
Commission.)
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE DR. PALMER
HOUSE FOR PLACEMENT ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Mr. Lien advised that the Dr. Palmer House is located at 820 Maple Street. The property owner has given his authorization
for the property to be listed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. He briefly reviewed the benefits and requirements
of listing a property on the Register. Then he presented the Staff Report and reviewed how the application meets the
Designation Criteria. He also reviewed the significant features of the site. (See Staff Report for details). He pointed out that
the house is associated with its original owner, Dr. Palmer, an Edmonds dentist, who built it in 1895 and resided in it until
1922. It is a well-known historic house, in part because of its visibility and prominent location on a steeply -sloping street
overlooking the downtown. He noted there has been some confusion about when the house was built, but a woman who was
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August 12, 2010 Page 2
raised in the house, Carol Lowell, indicated there was some scribbling on a beam in the attic of the house that has an 1890
date.
Marilyn Jenkins Johnston said she lived in the house from 1950 to 1965, and the attic had open beams. At the end of one
of the beams in chalk was written, "The old man digging the ditch, WMW." with an 1894 or 1895 date. They were not
allowed to touch the writing. Her family sold the house to Mayor Cooper's father.
Mr. Lien said staff believes the nomination meets the criteria and is eligible for designation on the Edmonds Register of
Historic Places. The exterior of the structure contains the significant features. Staff recommends the Commission make a
recommendation to the City Council that the property be listed on the Register, with consent of the owners. He provided
some pictures, one showing the house during construction. He noted that in the picture, Maple Street is a dirt road, and a
boardwalk comes out in front of the house. He observed there was not a lot of surrounding development during the early
days of the property. Most of the other houses in the area were built in the 1960's and 1990's.
Commissioner Eccleshall agreed to research the correct date of construction, but he didn't want to hold the nomination up
until his research is completed. Mr. Lien observed that regardless of the exact date, the structure is older than 50-years old,
so it meets the designation criteria.
Commissioner Waite asked if there is any evidence to indicate the date when the siding was changed. Mr. Lien answered
that there are no building permits on record for this change. Ms. Johnston said it had not changed when her family lived in
the home until 1965. Mayor Cooper said that, based on the materials, the siding was probably replaced sometime after 1950.
Mayor Cooper shared pictures of the structure that were given to his family by Dr. Palmer's granddaughter, one of which
was a portrait of the Palmer family. He said that according to his information, in the early years the nearest street to the
Palmer House was actually on Dayton Street. And the boardwalk went from Dayton Street to the house. It was the only
house on the hill when it was built. Dr. Palmer actually developed a lot of the surrounding properties. He also provided an
early picture of the interior of the house and a copy of an article from the Edmonds Snohomish County Historical Society's
newsletter that was published after 1984 and talks about the history of the house. He noted that the article identifies 1895 as
the date of construction and the scribbling is still present in the attic of the home. Mayor Cooper observed that he is now the
second Mayor of Edmonds who has lived in the home. The Ingles family rented the home for a short period of time, and
Matt Ingles was both Mayor and the Fire Chief at one time. He stated that in 1999, they remodeled the ground floor in an
attempt to restore it to its original design.
Board Member Anttila asked if Dr. Palmer actually had his dental practice in the basement of the structure. Mayor Cooper
noted that the basement area has a very low ceiling and is really a cellar for the furnace. His understanding is that Dr.
Palmer's practice was located elsewhere in Edmonds. He relocated to Seattle because there were two dentists in Edmonds.
Marilyn Jenkins Johnston said she has a lot of happy memories in the house with her family. When she lived in the home,
they had chickens, geese, and ducks. The Post Office told her mother she had to restrain the geese because they kept chasing
after the postmen. There was a pond between the Telford House and the Palmer House, and her mother would use an
aluminum pipe to fill the pond so they could swim.
The Commission agreed that the Dr. Palmer House should be featured in the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST.
Commissioner Anttila asked if Mayor Cooper has a good place to post the plaque so it is highly visible. Mayor Cooper noted
there are planters down both sides of the steps, and the front of the planters would be at the top of the cement steps, and this
would be a good place for a plaque. However, the junipers on both sides of the cement steps may partially block it.
COMMISSIONER WAITE MOVED THE COMMISSION FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY
COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE DR. PALMER HOUSE FOR INCLUSION ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES. COMMISSIONER ECCLESHALL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. (Note: Council Member Plunkett is not a voting member of the Commission.)
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
The Registration Committee did not have any activity to report.
Education and Outreach Committee
Chair Vogel reported that some additions would be made to the Commission's website within the next few days. For
example, the most recent edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST needs to be posted.
The Commission discussed the idea of selling advertisements in THE PRESERVATIONIST as a fundraiser. Concerns were
raised about the legality of selling advertisements in City publications. Mr. Lien agreed to seek clarification regarding this
opportunity.
Preservation Planning Committee
The Preservation Planning Committee did not have any activity to report.
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Socie
Commissioner Macfarlane did not provide a report.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Black and White Sketches as Fundraiser Items
Commissioner Eccleshall said the black and white sketches are on his to do list. He asked that the item be taken off the
agenda as a recurring item. He reminded the Commission that they have scheduled a booth at the September 41h Summer
Market, so Commissioners will need to sign up to participate.
Discussion on Adding an Alternate Councilmember
The Commission discussed that having a Council representative at their meetings is invaluable, and they would like the City
Council to designate an alternate representative to attend the Commission meetings when Council Member Plunkett is not
available. Council Member Plunkett suggested that it might be better to just have two Council representatives, and Council
Member Petso has expressed a desire to participate. The Commission agreed this would be appropriate. Chair Vogel agreed
to submit a letter on behalf of the Commission to Mr. Chave, asking him to write up an agenda item for the Council's
consent agenda, requesting they change the ordinance to incorporate two Council members.
Discussion on Available Grants for Commissioner Training
Commissioner Definer -Karr recalled the Commission previously discussed inviting a representative from the Washington
State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to speak to the Commission primarily about additional incentives
the City and/or State could offer people who designate their properties on the Register. Commissioner Dewhirst said he has
not been able to get in contact with state representatives, but he would keep trying. Commissioner Deiner-Karr recalled the
Commission also briefly discussed how they could obtain additional information from other jurisdictions and/or the National
Historic Society.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr recalled the Commission discussed the idea of submitting grant applications to fund
Commissioner training and their attendance at educational events. Commissioner Dewhirst announced that the Cultural
Resources Training is coming up at the end of August in Wenatchee, but he would be unable to attend. He said he plans to
attend an event the State recommended as a good place to learn about funding opportunities for projects such as the 4 h
Avenue Cultural Corridor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion of Increased Register Incentive Ideas and How to Proceed
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The Commission discussed that this item was related to their previous discussion about inviting a representative from the
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to speak to the Commission about additional
incentives the City and/or State could offer people who designate their properties on the Register.
Calendar Image Selection
Commissioner Eccleshall recalled that Commissioners were given assignments at their last meeting related to this project.
He suggested they complete their individual work by the September meeting, so the project can move forward. Chair Vogel
agreed to send the Commissioners an email reminder.
Commissioner Anttila observed that the calendar is not close to being ready for printing, and the Commission has not
received funding yet. She suggested they extend their preparation work into 2011. The Commission concurred. It was
noted that Commissioner Norenberg would be responsible for designing the calendar, Commissioner Anttila would produce
the calendar, and Commissioner Eccleshall would collect the photographs.
WON roA@10040K
Potential Property Nominations
There was no discussion about this item.
Updates to Historic Inventory
Commissioner Eccleshall announced that the Commission received grant funding to update the Historic Inventory. He asked
that Commissioners complete their individual assignments as soon as possible. He suggested the Commission have a special
meeting to identify the properties they want the consultant to study further. Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested the
Commission prepare a map of the 80 properties that are selected. Rather than a special meeting, the Commission agreed to
extend their September 91h meeting to 9:00 p.m. to accomplish this task. They agreed that the next meeting agenda would
only include a review of the potential nominees for the historic inventory update and further discussion about the calendar.
Commissioner Dewhirst agreed to provide a response at the next meeting regarding the possibility of having a representative
from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation speak to the Commission. Everyone was
asked to bring a food item to share.
Commissioner Waite asked if a Commissioner would be invited to participate on the selection committee that is formed to
select a consultant. Mr. Lien agreed to provide more information regarding the selection process.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
The Preservationist
Chair Vogel announced that work would begin soon on the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST, and the Commission
indicated their desire to feature the Dr. Palmer House.
Chair Vogel said he would write a letter to Mr. Chave regarding the Commission's recommendation to amend the ordinance
to allow a second Council representative. He suggested that, in the interim, he would invite Council Member Petso to attend
their meetings. He would also provide an email reminder for the Commissioners to get their photographs to Commissioner
Eccleshall.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Waite reported that the mortar at the Library was changed to the correct one. He suggested that, in the future,
the Commission needs to be involved in these types of projects so that problems do not occur in the future.
Commissioner Eccleshall observed that it is obvious that Mayor Cooper supports historic preservation. He suggested the
Commission once again consider the idea of establishing a historic district in the downtown. Council Member Plunkett
reported that a subcommittee of the City Council just received a proposal to increase building heights in the 1313-1 zone,
which is completely counter to the historic district concept. If the Commission is interested in pursuing the option, they
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should recognize that some people would adamantly oppose the idea, as well. He noted that the Council subcommittee did
not endorse the proposal, but the item was sent to the Planning Board for further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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