Category Archives: Historic Preservation

Preserving Historic Buildings, Landmarks, Cultural Resources, Landscapes, Districts

Snohomish County HB 1386 Community Heritage Grant Program

June 17, 2009. House Bill 1386 Grant Program

Councilman Brian Sullivan, Donna Ambrose, Sharie Freemantle and Wendy Becker made a presentation to the Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday evening June 16th creating the House Bill 1386 Heritage Grant Program. Councilman Sullivan made it clear that this program would not have been possible in these tough economic times without the help of all the council members and the executive’s office who came together to support this plan.

If the link to the application and guidelines at the bottom of this message doesn’t work, try www.snoco.org front page under “Community Heritage Program.”

There is $45,000 in this fund for this calendar year and we would really like to see this all distributed to support heritage in Snohomish County. There is a ¼ cash match required and a ¼ in-kind match. For this year, the timing is tight. Applications are due by August 10, 2009 for expenditure by December 31, 2009. Next year the cycle will operate on the calendar year.

There is a provision for smaller grants that can be applied for via a letter application.

The application guidelines are not yet up on the web site, so we’ll provide more information later. Any questions can be addressed to Shari Freemantle at 425-388-3559 or sharie.freemantle@snoco.org or Wendy Becker at 425-388-3186 or wendy.becker@snoco.org.

Information submitted by Tracy Tallman, Member of the Historic Preservation Commission lacquer@comcast.net

http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/documents/Departments/Council/News/CommunityHeritageProgram_5.pdf

Reference book on Historic Preservation

I’m reminding folks of the Historic Preservation Symposium on May 27-28.
Chamber of commerce, county and city officials are encouraged to attend to learn about how historic preservation and recycling old buildings can contribute to your communities’ economic development by preserving character and good architecture.

Related to that there is a new edition of a book out that I wish I had had 10 years ago. It is an “all in one place” reference for those new to the idea of historic preservation – “Historic Preservation – An Introduction to its History Principles and Practice” (2nd Edition) by Norman Tyler.

It’s been my experience that the general public isn’t aware of the formal sense of historic preservation and if they are it is often immediately suspect because it is associated with possible extra costs plus restrictions on property rights and design. But the book discusses different perspectives and acknowledges different interpretations of how and what to preserve in adapting a community philosophy or policy.

The book is also a useful tool for learning about basic architectural styles. It discusses the distinction between preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction as well as tax credit possibilities and legalities involved.
When thinking of how to resist the temptation to immediately destroy old structures and cultural landscapes, the book provides basic facts about the process of recognizing historic places and preserving them. It provides a basis for considering alternative adaptive uses for property owners. Contact your local bookstore or ask the local library to purchase it.It would be a great review for the symposium.
Karen Prasse
President, League of Snohomish County Heritage Organizations