Preservation News and Events in the New Year – January 2014
2014 is starting off with lots of news in the preservation world already. Here are some highlights (or lowlights in some cases):
-Christmas Eve 2013 Building Fire in Chinatown/International District: The Louisa Building (southwest corner of 7th Ave S and S King St), one of the historic district’s key structures, was ablaze on December 24. The 1909 building houses some of the neighborhood’s longest operating businesses including Mon Hei Bakery and Sea Garden Restaurant. All businesses are closed. The building is unsafe for entry, as determined by the City. The cause of the fire (which started on the vacant top floor) is undetermined at this point. For more info on the fire and its effect on the owner and businesses, go to the Seattle Times and NW Asian Weekly. It is unknown at this point whether the building will be demolished or if it can be saved.
-2013 Heritage Turkeys List: Once again, Knute Berger comes out with his annual Heritage Turkeys list of heritage and preservation disasters and bad projects/policies/actions. Read his Crosscut article for the full list.
-EVENT: The Before Party, Campaign to Restore Washington Hall: Historic Seattle and Washington Hall anchor groups 206Zulu, Hidmo and Voices Rising are hosting a party at the historic landmark on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Join the fun and festivities. Enjoy food, drinks and music! Learn more about the Capital Campaign for the Hall. Free and open to the public! Location: Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave, Seattle (Central District); Time: 5:00 – 9:00 pm, all ages / 9:00 pm – Midnight, 21 and up. More details on the Washington Hall Facebook page.
-EVENT: Historic Seattle Annual Members Meeting, Frye Art Museum: Please join us as we welcome in our 40th year of education, advocacy, and preservation of historic structures in the lovely surroundings of First Hill’s leading cultural institution, the Frye Art Museum. Museum Deputy Director Jill Rullkoetter will discuss the museum’s history and its programs, and lead tours. WHEN: Thursday, January 23, 2014; 5:30 to 7:00 pm; WHERE: Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave, Seattle. More details here.