Support Landmark Designation of Two Buildings in South Lake Union

• February 01, 2013
• No Comment
• Advocacy Alert

Three buildings on one block in the South Lake Union area are threatened with demolition by a proposed mixed-use (residential and retail) development on 8th Ave N between Thomas and John Streets, just north of Denny Park. Two of the buildings (215 8th Ave N and 777 Thomas St) were nominated by the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board (LPB) in December 2012 and January 2013, respectively. The two properties are being considered for designation by the LPB at its February 6, 2013 meeting. Both nominations were submitted to the LPB as part of the SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) process, triggered by the development proposal. The City did not require the developer to submit a nomination for the third building at 223 8th Ave N, although we believe the building is also eligible for landmark listing.

Historic Seattle supports the designation of both properties and urge you to do the same. 777 Thomas is a small gem of an Art Deco style commercial building constructed in 1931 that has served the community’s automotive and warehouse needs for decades. The International Style building at 215 8th Ave N was the office of Seattle architect J. Lister Holmes, a prominent designer whose work spanned from the Beaux-Arts tradition to the modern style. It is a fine example of a small-scale International Style building and maintains a high level of integrity.

The Landmarks Preservation Board meeting is on Wednesday, February 6, beginning at 3:30 pm. The meeting place is in the Municipal Tower at 700 5th Ave, 40th floor, Room 4060, Seattle. Public comments at the meeting will be accepted or you may email your comments to Landmarks Preservation Board Coordinator Sarah Sodt at [email protected] by Monday, February 4.  The Designation Standards are listed here. Access the agenda here. Download the nominations on this page (under 777 Thomas and 215 8th Ave N).