August 2009 marked the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) between the Port of Everett and The US Army Corps of Engineers and The State Historic Preservation Officer regarding the retention and restoration of the Collins Building. Historic Everett and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation are consulting parties for the agreement. Under the terms of the MOA the Port is responsible for maintaining the building in good condition consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Preservation of Historic Buildings.

The Port entered into a redevelopment agreement with the Collins Building Redevelopment Group in the summer of 2006. Even though a redevelopment group worked dilegently to meet the milestones in their agreement, the Port Commission voted to terminate the agreement on November 13, 2007.

Historic Everett and the WA Trust documented the Port had not made some critical repairs and sent letters outlining the defeciencies. Most notably replacing broken windows and instituting a maintenance and monitoring plan which should include: moisture and pest control; housekeeping and security. There were concerns about impaired Everett Fire Dept. access to the buildings perimeter.

While the stakeholder groups in this issue decide what is next for the Collins Building, please write Executive Director John Mohr and the Port Commissioners your letter asking them to abide by the spirit of the Memorandum of Agreement. Call Valerie Steel on the Historic Everett Collins Committee at 425-308-6052 if you have questions, preservation resources, or potential developers.

Note: In addition to the Collins Building, the Port of Everett owns two other National Historic Register Properties: The Weyerhaeuser Building at 19th and W. Marine View Drive and the Equator at the 10th Street Boat Launch.

The Collins Building Committee was formed by Historic Everett as a group of local citizens dedicated to preserving the Collins Casket Factory building since the spring of 2004. As Port of Everett plans became public for the North Marina Redevelopment Project, the Collins building was slated for possible demolition. In September 2005, the Port signed a 4 year Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) with the State Army Corp of Engineers and State Historic Preservation Office to rehabilitate and reuse the historic building. Supported by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Everett, and the Alliance To Save The Collins Building, the Port of Everett would work together to produce an effective Redevelopment Plan. In July 2009, a group local supporters formed the Collins Building Coalition to pursue legal avenues to stop possible demolition.

The 75 year young 3-story building is located at 1210 W. Marine View Drive, on Everett's waterfront. The Collins building is a classic example of post and beam, wood frame construction, used for large manufacturing buildings in the early 1900s. It contains 60,000 square feet total on 3 floors, with flooring made of full dimension 2x4s stacked on end. Posts are a solid 12x12 iron wood. Built on pilings over tidelands on Port Gardner Bay, it is now surrouded by loading and parking lots. The long distinctive banks of pane glass windows are trimmed in white with brick red siding.

The Hulbert Lumber Company built the casket factory circa 1925, naming it the North Coast Casket Factory. For the next 71 years, it was used expressly for casket manufacturing. The building was sold to the Port of Everett in 1991, and has since been used for light manufacturing and warehouse space. Read more detailed history.

No Wrecking Ball Today for Collins

JULY 24, 2009 - This morning, Judge McKeeman of the Snohomish County Superior Court issued a temporary injunction that will prohibit the Port of Everett from demolishing the Collins Building until the Dispute Resolution process through the Army Corps of Engineers has run its full course. So far, the Port has not responded to The Corps relevant points:
1. The 2005 costs were prepared without an "historic restoration version" of schematics and costs and/or actual site conditions and contain questionable hard costs (over $2 million) and design elements which throw the appropriateness of the overall cost estimates into question.
2. Aren't construction bids coming in less than in 2005?  And why didn't the Port take into consideration Federal Tax credits and other incentives for National Register properties?
3. Couldn't the Port look at using the Collins Building as a tourist related facility which is a function ports are allowed under the law? 
We will be advancing to the Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, but we don't have a date at this time, so stay tuned for updates.
 
We owe a huge debt of gratitude (and money) to our brilliant attorney, Dave Bricklin, who grasped the entire saga and dynamics of the Collins Building very quickly and made our case undeniable. 
 
Another big thanks goes to ardent Collins Building supporter, Peter Jackson, whose article in today's edition of Crosscut - News of the Great Nearby - really puts the issues surrounding retention of the Collins Building in context.  Read it here
 
There will be a Community Update on where we stand, where we are going and what you can do to help.
Tuesday July 28 @ 6:30 pm
Auditorium of the Everett Library - 2702 Hoyt. 
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring a friend. 

Collins demolition permit reviewed
Everett City Council Meeting
July 1 at 6:30pm
City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
 
At the June 24 Everett City Council meeting Mark Olson, Drew Nielsen and Brenda Stonecipher represented the majority against Ron Gipson and Arlan Hatloe to request the demolition permit for the Collins Building not be "issued by the Planning Director until such time as the Planning Director reports back to the full council with respect to his review of the pertinent comp plan amendments in the city, the other actions and policies of the city with respect to issuance of these permits for historically protected buildings as the Collins is..."
 
The City of Everett Planning Director Alan Giffen had issued the demolition permit at 3:30pm Friday afternoon.
 
At the July 1 meeting the community again demonstrated the value of our heritage and continued to support for the Everett Council Members who stood up for the permit to be reviewed. After the November election, the next set of Everett Port Commissioners should have as many options as possible for the redevelopment of the North Marina site.  For now it is very much the City's business to ensure the public-owned waterfront is not blighted with vacant property for years to come.
 
Rehabilitation of the Collins Building can provide skilled labor jobs immediately and business and tax revenue opportunities in the future, as well as, a launch pad for access to our shorelines.  A patch of asphalt in it's place simply doesn't compare to the benefits of keeping the three story Collins Building actively in use on our waterfront.
 
Historic Everett has retained land use attorney David Bricklin of Bricklin/Newman/Dold LLP who specializes in environmental land use issues to assist in retaining the Collins Building for our communities future.

Community pleas have been ignored
Published in the Herald: Monday, June 29, 2009
COLLINS BUILDING

Wednesday's front page held a sad and disturbing story regarding the destruction of the stately, historical, Collins building.

To disregard the impassioned pleas of so many people, including the highly respected community servant, Ed Morrow, is arrogance at its worst.

It is almost embarrassing that we have been forced to grovel at the feet of the Port Commission, to beg for a few more days, to try to save a cherished piece of our city's history.

Rumor has it that the port's only interest is financial gain. That is unfortunate for all of us, if that is accurate. Where does community support fit in?

I understand the responsibilities involved in managing a large and active port, but implore them to reconsider their decision. It can impact the waterfront for generations of users.

Port officials need only look out their front window for a perfect example of community support. The BNSF Railroad has provided their property for 12 years for a beautiful "public" flower garden. That is big business at its best. We thank them.

Diane Rogers, Snohomish

Represents grace from another era
Published in the Herald: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
COLLINS BUILDING

There is no excuse, and no reason good enough to justify destroying or replacing the only remnant of timber-based industry here in Everett. Living history gone is gone forever.

Its buildings can survive with new uses. The Collins Building could easily become a combination of port offices/museum/condos/studios. This is more commonly done back East, to save and restore a physical reality of early industry. There are many examples.

There are also examples right here of the opposite: If there is an uglier eyesore than the hospital garage now offending the Donovan District, you'd have to lead me to it.

Let's keep this last industrial example of the fine craftsmanship, materials, balance and grace of another era. The Collins Building may offend those who wish to design and build something new and less appropriate, but let's turn to those who would design and build new uses for a uniquely historic building.

Louise Saluteen, Everett

Commission's action is baffling
Published in the Herald: Tuesday, June 23, 2009
COLLINS BUILDING

I watched in bafflement Tuesday morning as the Port of Everett commissioners discussed their preference for deconstructing our historic Collins Building, completely disregarding the dozens of people there who made compelling cases requesting that the port hold off on any decisions for at least 60 days.

A couple of weeks ago, some friends and I made the first of our several annual shopping pilgrimages to the Olympia Farmer's Market, a year-round covered facility on the waterfront. Although it's always well populated, this year the amount of customers was overwhelming, taking us 30 minutes of circling just to snag a parking spot. The market was mobbed; by 1 p.m. there wasn't an egg to be found, both bakeries and the cheese mongers were completely sold out, and the plant vendors had lines 20-people deep for the duration.

All I could think of was "Why don't we have this in Everett?" The Collins building is a logical, size-appropriate facility for such an enterprise, and in a time in our country when preservation of resources is a pressing concern, to even consider "deconstructing" this potential money-maker is unfathomable.

As someone who is passionate about creative economic development, I have watched in dismay for the last three years as Everett's downtown retail core has slowly declined and deteriorated; more empty storefronts are visible every month.

The port has a unique opportunity to take the reins that the city has dropped in driving Everett's economic development and create a tourist destination that would serve the entire county and all points north. The port has a window of opportunity to act as visionaries and make us all proud of them -- I hope they don't squander their chance.

Christina Robertson, Everett

Bannan and Niva Vote to Demolish
Historic Collins Building

The third Port of Everett Commissioner Michael Hoffmann voted to delay the vote for further consideration. See Herald news story

Port Commissioner's Legacy to be Decided on Demolition Vote

The three elected Port of Everett Commissioners are set to vote in a public meeting at the Tuesday, June 16th, 9:00am Port Hearing Room at 2911 Bond St. at the west end of Hewitt Ave.

Send your support to save the Collins Building to the Commissioners email:
- Phil Bannan's email is PhilB@portofeverett.com   
- Connie Niva's email is ConnieN@portofeverett.com   
- Michael Hoffmann's email is michaelh@portofeverett.com
 
Last week the Army Corps of Engineers approved the Port of Everett's Mitigation Strategy for the loss of the Collins Building. The port is wasting no time in making certain the building comes down immediately even though The Memorandum of Agreement does not say the port must demolish the Collins Building; it says it "may be demolished or relocated".
 
Maritime Trust, the port's redevelopment partner for the Pt. Gardner Wharf project, filed for bankruptcy on May 20, 2009 according the Daily Shipping News.  The bankruptcy process alone could take a year or more and there is no assurance Maritime will emerge strong enough to begin, let alone complete; its project on the Everett waterfront.
 
Many indications are that the real estate market will not rebound significantly in the next few years. In fact, some analysts think this is only the beginning of the downturn in the commercial sector.
 
Maritime Trust commissioned and paid for the cost estimates and financial analysis for the adaptive re-use of the Collins Building while they still controlled the Craftsman District with little evidence of guidance from the port.
 
There is real concern that demolition of the Collins Building will hasten severe blight on an already struggling waterfront and that 65 acres will sit vacant and fenced-off for a decade or more like the Riverside Business Park.
 
Boeing may significantly reduce its workload in Everett ­ possibly making this "Detroit, Washington" according to one City Councilmen at a recent neighborhood meeting. Let's hope not. Now is the time to ensure our economy is diverse and our community attractive and interesting with multiple opportunities on an accessible waterfront.
 
Deconstruction is part of the mitigation strategy which oddly was approved prior to the close of the public comment period. The port has not yet determined the cost of "deconstruction", but they are voting to do it anyway. Nor have they shown the future income of the property will be of higher or better use.
 
Phil Bannon is not seeking re-election. Sources indicate that for personal reasons Connie Niva will not be serving the remainder of her term. That means that 2 new people with fresh ideas will be on the commission soon. Shouldn't the disposition of the Collins Building be the call of the future Port Commission who would have to live with the unpopular demolition? It is acceptable to table this decision for future consideration and develop a more visionary plan for the property the public and the Port can appreciate and support.

Please make every effort to go to the meeting to tell the port one more time that the Collins Building needs to stay. After all, it now seems to be the placeholder for the North Marina Redevelopment Project.
 
Your continuous and vocal support is really important.  Thank you ever so much.
 
Valerie Steel          info@HistoricEverett.org  or 425-308-6052
Historic Everett      www.HistoricEverett.org

PLACES
Collins Casket Building is community landmark

The 75 year young 3-story building, located at 1210 W. Marine View Drive on Everett's waterfront, is built like a fort. The Collins building is a classic example of post and beam, wood frame construction, used for large manufacturing buildings in the early 1900s. It contains 60,000 square feet total on 3 floors, with flooring made of full dimension 2x4s stacked on end. Posts are a solid 12x12 iron wood. Built on pilings over tidelands on Port Gardner Bay, it is now surrouded by loading and parking lots. The long distinctive banks of pane glass windows are trimmed in white with brick red siding -- reminiscent of the Boeing Red Barn at the Museum of Flight. See photos below of the public rally on February 21, 2009.

Collins Building is already on the WA State Register and the National Register for Historic Places.

The Hulbert Lumber Company built the casket factory circa 1925, naming it the North Coast Casket factory.

For 71 years it was used expressly for casket manufacturing.

The building was sold to the Port of Everett in 1991 and has since been used for light manufacturing and warehouse space.

In August 2005, the Port signed an agreement to work towards redeveloping the Collins building with local groups.

Three Port Commissions will make the final decision to demolish or deconstruct it without a vote of Port District taxpayers.

Photos compliments of Lloyd Weller, Director of Photography, Everett Community College

Feb. 2010:
Architect & developer Sullivan shares updated Collins proposal.

Request from the Port of Everett a copy of the original RFQ for developers, architects, investment groups, builders, and property management companies and/or brokers. Call the Port of Everett and ask for the Property Director in charge with the Collins building.

Supported by Historic Everett, Washington Trust, Washington State DAHP, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Northwest, Bayside, and Port Gardner Neighborhood Assoc's have shown support for preserving the waterfront's heritage. The Everett Historical Commission, in the Everett Planning and Economic Development Dept. supports the preservation or relocation of the Collins Building. In July 2009, the newly formed Collins Building Coalition organized local groups to preserve the Collins building through legal processes.

Collins Building Rally
Friends and neighbors met again Feb. 21, 2009 to review ideas to halt the proposed Port demolition of the Collins Building. Speakers and information were available for the public to learn how to support preservation efforts.
Click on graphic above to download a printable flyer for the windows in your car, home and office.

Read the Herald article on the Ports plans for interpretive displays
February 11, 2008