COLLINS BUILDING/WATERFRONT LETTERS New Collins building support letters are rolling in... take time to write one of your own! Thank you for caring about our communities' future... and past! 1. Historic Building Grant Opportunities May 20, 2010 Thank you to you and Port of Everett staff for working to compile possible sources of grant funding for historic buildings illustrated in a spreadsheet sent to us by Lisa Lefeber in an email dated April 29, 2010. I have reviewed the information Nancy Overton compiled and offer the following comments: Heritage Capital Projects Fund: Regarding the 2 to 1 required match, up to 50% of the match can come from donated labor/equipment/services. This is important for community-oriented projects, as often times donated labor is a component of a work plan. In addition, in cases where property is deeded to another entity for the purpose of creating a heritage facility, the value of the property can count toward the match (essentially, the acquisition cost). Finally, waivers are available exempting applicants from the LEED Silver requirement. More investigation is needed to know whether the Collins Building would be eligible to apply for such an exemption. Preserve America: My understanding is that the City of Everett is investigating the potential of becoming a Preserve America community. If so, the City would be eligible for grants through this program. While not bricks and mortar funding, Preserve America grants would help to place the Collins Building within a larger, city-wide heritage tourism framework. National Maritime Heritage Area: At present, the goal is that by this time next year, the National Maritime Heritage Area will be officially designated. National Heritage Areas do receive federal funds, although the management entity providing administration and oversight for the Heritage Area is responsible for local fundraising as well. As part of a National Maritime Heritage Area, the Port would be eligible to apply for grant funds. National Trust Preservation Fund: Typically, these grants average from $2,500-$5,000. While not for bricks and mortar, funds are eligible for preservation planning, education, and other efforts. While nationally the program is competitive, it should be noted that there is a dedicated funding source for the Pacific Northwest. As such, projects from Washington compete primarily against other northwest regional projects, rather than against applications from other areas of the country. Community Development Block Grants: While the connection to low- and moderate- income persons is clear, CDBG funds are eligible to be used for historic preservation. It would certainly be worth further investigation to see how the connection could be made between the Collins Building and CDBG funding mandates. Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits: Quick clarification, this is a program of the National Park Service, not the National Trust for Historic Preservation (although the National Trust does have a for-profit business that does tax credit projects, the National Trust Community Investment Corporation, or NTCIC). Working with the State DAHP, projects are eligible to receive a 20% tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenditures. While the Port does not pay taxes, any entity entering into a long-term lease with the Port for the Collins Building could be eligible to receive the tax credit benefit for any capital improvements to the building for which they might be responsible. In the scenario where the Collins Building is leased to a private entity, this program could play a significant role in the financing scheme. New Market Tax Credits: This program provides tax credits for making investments in low income communities. It is certainly worth investigating to determine if the Collins Building is located within a qualifying census tract. Transportation Enhancement Grants: Historic preservation projects are eligible to receive funding through this program. I would echo the comments Valerie Steel provided to the Port through previous email correspondence regarding the eligibility of the Collins Building to apply for Transportation Enhancement funds. In addition, it is important to note the historical connections of the building to surface transportation: for years, rail spurs and a series of over water trestles served the Collins Building and other enterprises along the historic waterfront. While these systems are no longer extant, they do represent a history of surface transportation for the area and should be mentioned as part of a transportation enhancement project application. The Puget Sound Regional Council has tentatively scheduled a workshop for potential projects on June 8th and I would encourage the Port to send a representative. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on potential funding sources for the Collins Building. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have additional questions. Commissioner Mark Wolken 2. Plenty of support for public market The Collins Building is one of Everett’s greatest assets. I’ve heard it compared to other cities’ historic districts that were renovated into commercial and recreational purposes. I grew up in Seattle. In the years before the public market, a few had a vision which we now take for granted. It was an important step to preserve Pioneer Square and the Public market, now two of Seattle’s most important shopping and tourist destinations. This is a proven method to retain a city’s history and character. I believe in and support the efforts of Valerie Steel and Historic Everett to preserve the Collins Building. I’m often perplexed at how the port commission manages our public assets. It often feels as though the public does not have enough input. I’ve heard plenty of support for restoring the Collins building and using it for many practical and wonderful purposes such as a public market, retail, meetings, and recreation. This makes perfect sense to me and hope that the new Port Commissioners support this direction. 3. Heritage planning a public/private partnership Dear Commissioner Wolken: I have now had the opportunity to review the above report and have found it generally well prepared As a Snohomish County taxpayer I appreciate and respect your and your fellow commissioner’s public Thank you again for your community service. June 2, 2010 4. Option to tear it down absurd Regarding Monday’s article about the Collins Building, “Should it stay or should it go?” I was a child in Seattle when the city prepared to tear down the Pike Place Market in order to build a high rise mixed use complex. Victor Steinbrueck, a professor of architecture at the UW, founded a group called Friends of the Market. This group pushed through a successful ballot initiative in 1971 to save the market! (Mr. Steinbrueck was also largely responsible for the preservation of Seattle’s Pioneer Square.) I remember the concern at that time was how much it would cost to preserve the Pike Place Market, and whether the citizens of Seattle could afford it. An idea unimaginable to us today. Thank goodness for Valerie Steele and Historic Everett for their efforts to keep the Collins Building for use as a farmers’ market, maritime museum and gathering place. Such a facility would be enormously important to the future citizens of Everett as they engage with area farmers and craftspeople. The benefits to downtown businesses and nearby restaurants would be measurable. What would be immeasurable is the civic pride and loyalty that comes when local history is preserved for future generations. In the article, three members of the marine business community expressed concern about the loss of 28 boat storage spaces, then later in the article stated that it wouldn’t be enough anyway. The Everett Marina is the second largest on the West Coast, not including the Yacht Club. Tearing down the Collins Building to park 28 boats is absurd. The opportunity to preserve the Collins Building as a market that all of the citizens of Everett could enjoy is an idea that we should pursue. Anything less would be shortsighted. Carla Anderson 5. Save future for our great great grandchildren Date: Memorial Day: May 31, 2010 RE: THE FUTURE - The importance and fascination of Everett as seen through the eyes of our children, grand children and great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren! Over the past 30 years I have practiced neurological surgery in Everett. Twenty five (25) of those years has involved performing approximately 30,000 consultations in the “Historic Hartley Mansion”. Almost every patient has made very favorable comments, has asked questions, has supplied additional historical information or has often conducted their own spontaneous ‘tour’ of the building - including the ‘ballroom’ or third floor. Many of them have performed in piano recitals or attended a variety of special events at the Mansion. (See www.everettneurologicalcenter.org; ‘Historic Hartley Mansion’).From this experience it is clear to me that almost everybody has a strong interest in the Hartley Mansion – and in Everett history as well. This is true of the sick and the healthy, the young and old, as well as the affluent and the poor. On March 2, 2010 I had the honor of hosting a gathering of Roland Harley’s family at my office, “The Everett Neurological Center” – or, as it is alternatively known - “The Historic Hartley Mansion” at 2320 Rucker Ave. Altogether 18 Hartley family members were present and the ensuing private dinner including four (4) of Roland Hartley’s grandchildren - Jean Hartley Anderson, Janny Hartley, Hartley Paul and David Hartley – plus Roland’s great grand children and great, great grandchildren. There were two unique, informal sessions of commentary arranged. Roland’s descendants described how their family left England, settled in Pennsylvania, allied with the English during the American Revolution as “Tories”, were forcibly vacated from America into Canada, latter re-entered America, settled in Minnesota, partnered with J. J. Hill (Great Northern Railroad) and subsequently became major mill owners and business leaders in Everett. The commentary included both the life and times within the Mansion itself as well as colorful vignettes about our past Mayor and Governor - Roland Hartley. Video coverage of the event was provided by Rick and David Eaks (Puget Sound Video) – plus over four hundred excellent, candid photos of the family interaction were shot by Taylor Roalson Baker of Colby Art Consulting. Soon the edited video/ photos will be posted to my website – www.everettneurologicalcenter.org. Incidentally “The Historic Hartley Mansion” will be featured on the “Everett Home Tour” September 11, 2010. Some of these photos and select video edits from the March 2, 2010 event will be available to the visitors on the “Tour”. (Very possibly, some Hartley family members may be present as well.) When you have the opportunity to share this experience through the video and photographic documentation mentioned above - either through the website or the September 11, 2010 “Home Tour” - I think that you also will be gripped by the same fascination of Everett’s history and the role that it played, not only locally, but throughout Washington State and beyond. Currently, a “Historic Hartley Mansion Foundation” is being considered by the Hartley Family, Everett Community Leaders and myself to preserve this historic structure and the adjoining properties for future generations. I can not imagine anything more exciting than ultimately sharing this fascination of Everett history with my children, grandchildren and great grand children and great grandchildren through preservation of the “Historic Hartley Mansion”. Valerie Steel and other members of “Historic Everett” have indentified the same vision and goals for the Historic Collins Building. They want their children, grand children, great grand children and great, great grandchildren along with ALL members of our FUTURE Everett community to share the fascination of Everett and it’s historic role in the Pacific Northwest. Just as the Hartley family has animated the old Hartley Mansion, a year round public market, maritime museum and office/retail space will bring the same ‘human element’ to the Collins building that the Hartley family has brought to the “Historic Hartley Mansion”. ALL OF US interested in having our children, grand children and great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren understand and appreciate their roots, should go out of their way to support “Historic Everett” and the Port of Everett in bringing success to this venture! (If you want to gain first hand experience in this matter, just ask the grand children, great grand children and great, great grand children of Roland Hartley how they feel about the critical importance of Historic Preservation in Everett. I have taken the liberty of copying this e-mail to each of them.) I stand firmly beside “Historic Everett” along with the Port of Everett in preserving our past for our future. By working together, a “vision” can become a “reality”. I would like to congratulate all those involved in this challenging but highly rewarding venture.
6.The real risk is in not using as public market I have read about this in paper and yesterday someone had dropped off the literature in our store. I was so excited to learn about this development and I’m very encouraged. Unfortunately we wll be unable to attend the meeting. But I just wanted to provide our insight. When I read about it, the first thing that came to mind was Grandville Island in Vancouver, which has their year round public market. It is a bit like Pike Place though distinctively different. Personally I enjoy Grandville Island even better, and the Collins Building reminds me of some of the buildings they have at Grandville Island. Having a year round public/farmers market down at the waterfront would be a tremendous lift and opportunity for this community and the Downtown Everett core. The possibilities for a more dense downtown urban living, tourism and thriving small business community would grow immensely with the additional of such a marketplace. Everett would be able to attract many more influential residents, entrepreneurs and a potential steady streamline of tourism year round. One of the reasons we choose to start our business here in the downtown, was do to the progressive steps the City has been taking towards the downtown the last decade. Also we have always realized the untapped potential our city has to grow in this next upcoming decade. With the beautiful geographic position that our city is blessed with, waterfront, port, surrounding mountains there are not many other cities or areas that can compete with the future potential Everett can offer as a community today and tomorrow. Everett has so much to offer as a destination and a city primed for a decade or more of strong overall future growth. The city lies in a very unique position between Seattle, Vancouver and a direct access from the East via Highway 2. I have lived here my whole life and have never thought the area has completely taken advantage of its neighbors to the North and South, as it has been viewed more as a bypass/pass through. All of that can and will change and that starts with great visions and dedication, which I feel the plan for the Collins Building public market is a huge step in that direction. I can envision the tremendous benefit that can bring to my business and all the neighboring businesses right away, along with the quality of life as a resident in the community. To have such a place to visit, will not only bring so many new visitors to our area, but it will re-establish our area as a place to be or go to. Those new-comers and visitors will then not only want to come back, but tell everyone they know to visit this hidden gem just north of Seattle. That will then help provide the much needed confidence to encourage more potential entrepreneurs to take that risk. This will allow business development to increase, creating a robust booming local economy. This is critical for our future growth and development in creating a more diverse economy, where our community is not mostly dependant only on one or two main industries (aerospace & heathcare). As of right now, there isn’t much to help encourage the risk takers to flock here with an unstable and unknown track record. This is just another step in the right direction to show that we are the next big thing in the state. Everett is where a potential great future can created and established. I look forward to hearing more about the development of this and would be happy to provide any testimonials to encourage any potential businesses to come here and become a part of this future development. Thank you for your time and efforts. Sincerely, Marc Wise 7.Collins is incentive to attract new business to waterfront I’m in support for preserving and retaining the Collins Building, as much for what the building can do for the future of the North Marina/Everett, as for its historic significance. The Maritime Trust (MT) debacle is costing the port district millions, raising my taxes, and it’s time to invest in something that real people can value and use, not those imaginary folks that MT were counting on. The Maritime Trust vision of an upscale boater/condo-owner Shangri-La couldn’t get traction from buyers even under the loosest of financing opportunities, which I believe, in large part, is due to the fact that people took a look around and quickly realized that there was nothing there, and wouldn’t be there for years to come. To put up condo towers in a downtown where there are established attractions is one thing, but to essentially build a pocket-city without anything but docks and boatyards, and then try to convince people it’s a great place to call home, is a different kettle of fish. The Collins Building, or what I think should be more appropriately called, “Collins Place,” would provide a tangible attraction for any prospective owners in the post-Maritime Trust development days. The mixed-use presence of a thriving public/farmers’ market, museum, and commercial space would provide a needed incentive for folks to see beyond the years of construction going on around them as they wait for full build out. (Just look to the Belltown - Pikes Place Market synergy.) One of the greatest regrets in the North Marina redevelopment project is that if the POE had invested half the effort and money in working on ways to capitalize on the Collins Building, instead of working on ways to demolish it, we would much farther along the path to a sustainable, viable, and profitable future. John Cronan 8. Landmark decision could include Everett public market I was excited to see the new brochure about the Collins building and the plan to renovate it to use as a community center. It is such a wonderful landmark building, and Everett is really in need of such spaces! I love the idea of moving the Sunday market in and having it all year round. We love to go to the market in Olympia when we pass through on our way to Portland or the ocean, and I can see an Everett market becoming a place like this. A maritime museum, an year round market, and a wonderful historic building preserved to hold it all! I'm so happy to see Everett moving in this kind of direction. Anne LeWarne 9. Maritme heritage center strikes a high note Re: Public Comment on the Collins Building Dear Commissioner(s): We are writing to support Historic Everett and the Everett Maritime Museum in their proposal to renovate the Collins Building as a maritime museum and farmers’ market. We especially want to point out the need to include a small performance space in the plans. A small auditorium, seating around 80 to 120 people, is a vital part of any community. Located adjacent to a maritime museum, it would allow the citizens of Everett to experience and participate in the music and stories that are rooted in the history of our region. Here are some of the educational programs that could take place in a small auditorium: The Northwest is home to a strong maritime music scene. These songs connect the public to the cultural roots of the region by celebrating our past – and present – connection to the water. A small auditorium in the Collins Building would provide a place where local musicians could be identified and express themselves. With the growth of recorded music, there are fewer opportunities for ordinary people to participate in music. Chantey sings give the opportunity for anyone to lead a song or just join in the chorus. This is not only fun, but creates a sense of community. An auditorium space in the Collins Building need not have fixed seats in a formal arrangement. Folding chairs could be arranged to fit the event. What is needed are good acoustics, a small stage, and most importantly, the correct electrical power for sound and lights. Maritime Folknet is a non-profit organization with the mission of encouraging maritime culture throughout the Northwest, especially songs and stories of life and work on the water. We realize that one of the factors that prevents the full expression of our maritime heritage is a shortage of appropriate venues throughout the region. At this time, Everett is not reaching its potential as a place where citizens can connect with their maritime heritage, partly due to a lack of community performance spaces. The stories and songs of the past, and the life stories of those who work on the water, can inspire those of all ages and walks of life. A maritime museum and auditorium in the Collins Building could make a change for the better in the lives of ordinary people. We are willing to support the Everett Maritime Museum by helping them create their own self-sufficient maritime educational performance programs in the newly renovated space. We have found that the authenticity of the venue plays a large role in attracting the public to cultural events. The Collins Building, with its distinctive architecture and historical connection to the Everett waterfront, would make an ideal venue for a maritime museum and performance space. We urge you to support the renovation of the Collins Building to include the Everett Maritime Museum and a small auditorium. Sincerely, Alice Winship Chris Glanister Maritime Folknet Email: info@maritimefolknet.org cc: Historic Everett; Everett Maritime Museum; Port of Everett 10.The Power of Questions Folks, The Collins Building is within the boundary of the Northwest Neighborhood. If any Neighborhood can lay claim to this building it's our Neighborhood! There have been some new and exciting developments in the Collins Building restoration effort. I urge EVERYONE in the ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD to attend this meeting at Everett Station's Weyerhaeuser room THIS SATURDAY! I think that sometimes the questions we raise can be even more powerful than any statement we can make. Best regards, 11. Everett Market great addition in year-round Collins location I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed year-round farmers' market on the first floor of the Collins Building and Town Hall on the second floor. These are excellent ideas! 12. Many envision a bright future Isn’t it ironic that the Port of Everett named part of its largely defunct development “The Craftsman District”? They have not only bastardized the term “Craftsman,” but the Collins Building itself, as they continue planning its destruction. The grounds around the Collins Building have been turned into a dumping ground for Port of Everett salvage items, including a motor home! One can only hope that the thinking public sees through the POE effort to shed the worst light on this venerable building. Marilyn Boyd 13. Heritage gives a greater sense of place Historic Everett, Congratulations to those of you at Historic Everett and to others who have worked so hard for so long with increasing success to preserve the Collins Building! Having been involved in writing (WA) state and Snohomish County history and also having had a foot in the Historic Preservation community, I feel strongly that this unique and enduring part of County history should be preserved. It is arguably the last evidence of the city¹s rich waterfront past. Increasingly, the public and officials at all levels recognize that preservation does not mean hanging on to useless relics so much as it means using historic structures and sites in innovative ways while still maintaining their architectural and historic integrity. The proposals to find varied new uses for the Collins Building are evidence of such efforts. And who can deny that the building is a unique Marine Drive attraction with a style and personality of its own! I hope that Saturday's forum will be a resounding success and that the preservation community and local officials can succeed in their efforts to preserve and continue to use this dramatic waterfront structure. 14. No need to destroy Collins in order to keep boat maintenance Dear Everett Port Commissioners: 15. Priemiere urban destination starts with local vision In light of current discussion and upcoming all day workshop devoted to the Collins Building I want to thank you in advance for taking the time to read my vision for the Collins Building. I have been an Everett resident for nearly ten years. I feel privileged to participate in the renaissance of a city that has not been looked upon so glamorously in the past. I love and promote Everett at any opportunity. I am active in local organizations, council of neighborhoods and sell homes here. Having grown up in the Boston area, I feel compelled to parallel the Collins Building with a very integral part of Boston, please read on and envision…..It is feasible! “ The market remained a vital business throughout the 1800’s but by the mid 1900’s the buildings had fallen into disrepair, many stood empty, the once thriving marketplace was tagged for demolition until a group of Bostonians sought to preserve it in the 1970’s. Through a vision of Jim Rouse, architect Benjamin Thompson and Mayor Kevin White, the dilapidated structures were revitalized, THOROUGHLY CHANGING THE FACE OF DOWNTOWN BOSTON..The 1976 renovation was the first urban renewal project of its kind, one that spawned imitations in this country and abroad…” Located across the street from Boston’s waterfront, the marketplace is comprised of three 19th century buildings. A blend of Neoclassic and Greek Revival architecture, the complex is a beautiful representation of old Boston, tastefully enhanced by urban contemporary additions. The building is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, what is known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace is still Boston’s central meeting place, offering visitors and residents alike an unparalled urban marketplace. The unique burgeoning array of shops, restaurants and outdoor entertainment have made it a premiere urban destination that attracts more than 18 million visitors annually. Sound familiar in any way, shape or form? Could it be similar on our scale? Andrea Tucker
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COLLINS SUPPORT
Write your letter TODAY, and send a copy to us and the Port of Everett by THIS WEEK at: info@HistoricEverett.org |
