Pike/Pine Buildings Reviewed by Landmarks Preservation Board
At its February 20, 2013 meeting, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board reviewed two nominations in the Pike/Pine neighborhood–the Melrose Building (301-309 E Pine) and the Pinevue Apartments (313-321 E Pine). The Board’s vote was tied 5-5 in the Melrose Building decision. In the event of a tie, a nomination fails so the Melrose was not nominated. Public comments in support of the nomination were offered by several members of the community. Historic Seattle spoke in favor of nomination. Although all the Board members acknowledged the high physical integrity of the building and noted its contributing character to the neighborhood, half the Board did not think the building met the standards for landmark status.
The adjacent Pinevue Apartments was nominated in an 8-1 vote–the Board’s support for nomination was somewhat lukewarm but they will take a closer look at the building for the designation hearing set for April 3, 2013. Historic Seattle also supported the nomination. Board members noted the building’s high integrity (except for the missing cornice) and called out the storefronts as key character-defining features of the building.
The two buildings will be incorporated into a mixed-use development but in its review of landmark nominations, the Board cannot consider future plans. Historic Seattle supported the nomination of both buildings but also supports the new development proposal that will preserve both structures.
See also the Capitol Hill Blog post on this issue. They have some good photos of the buildings.