HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/07/2008 03C-2 Citizen Service Request Response RE: Letter Regarding the Wilson Building OFFICE OF THE MA }'OR — Z
129 North Second Street
City Hall, Yakima, Washington 98901
Phone (509) 575 -6050 • Fax (529) 576 -6335
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September 26, 2008
Mr. Scott Irons, Vice Chair
City of Yakima Historic Preservation Commission
102 Park Avenue
Yakima, WA 98902
Dear Scott;
You requested City Council assistance to assure that adequate steps are taken to
document the historic significance and condition of the Wilson Building by the
Capitol Theatre Committee.
® You are probably aware that the building is owned by the Capitol Theatre Committee,
not by the City of Yakima, and that the owners will make the final decision on what
will become of the building. However, in discussion with City staff, Steve Caffery
and his architect have laid out a plan to satisfy the review that will be necessary under
SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) should a demolition permit be requested
from the City.
The plan includes:
Hazardous Material Study — Fulcrum Environmental is in the process of completing
the work and should have a report available by October 3, 2008;
Structural Engineering Review — Currently Womer Engineering of Spokane is
completing a structural review of the existing building and should have a report
available by October 3, 2008;
Historical Review — The Capitol Theatre is currently working with an architectural
• consultant (Michael Sullivan of Artifacts Consulting, Inc.) to prepare the Field Form
for Historical Property required by the SEPA checklist for submittal to the
Washington Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. The existing
building is not on the historic register. Several photographs have been obtained of
the original building before the Grand Hotel was built. It is the Capitol Theatre's
intent to have a portion of the existing facade on the Wilson Building removed and to
photograph the existing condition of the building for the submittal to the Washington
Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. Ya
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1994
Mr. Scott Irons
September 26, 2008
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I am confident that a final decision on the future of this building will be based on a
thorough and rational analysis including condition, cost, and degree of historic
significance.
On behalf of the City Council, I want to thank you for the important work you do.
Critical decisions affecting the future of our downtown benefit from inquiry and
dialogue. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
David Edler, Mayor
cc: Historic Preservation Commission Members
Vaughn McBride •
Steve Caffery
Yakima City Council
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SERVICE REQUEST
"It's My Job"
No. 08 -30
Date Requested Reply Date:
September 17, 2008 September 22, 2008
Requestor: Originator:
Name: Cally Price
Scott Irons Department: City Manager's office
Yakima Historic Preservation
Commission
Referred To:
Re: Bill Cook, CED
Wilson Building
Please review the attached letter and provide a draft response to the City
Manager's Office.
Thank you.
Please copy your response to Cally in the City Manager's Office
Action Taken:
Completed by: Citizen Contacted:
Name: Yes
Title:
Reply Date: No
®,
July 25, 2008 J �• 2Co
ill!
Dear Mayor Edler and Councilpersons:
I and the other commissioners on the Yakima Historic Preservation Commission are
seeking your assistance with the potential loss of the Wilson Building, constructed in
1902. Specifically, we would request that the current facade be removed to determine if
the building does have historical integrity. Further, if it does have historical integrity and
is eligible for listing on the Yakima Register of Historic Places, we ask that the Council
and the present owner consider other options than demolition.
The Wilson Building was constructed in 1902 by Mr. Wilson, a Scottish immigrant who
was one of the early leaders of Yakima. When he first came to Yakima County, he
logged in the area of Soda Springs, and subsequently farmed 1,000 acres in what is now
West Valley. Wilson then began to participate in business ventures in the growing city of
Yakima. One of those ventures was erecting the Wilson Building at a cost of $11,000 to
serve the growing commercial needs of the citizens of the City. Wilson represents that
great story of America: he immigrated to a new land, found success from a small
beginning, and stayed to help his new city succeed.
Our request is made for several reasons. First, the Wilson Building has remained a viable
part of the downtown core for more than 100 years. Properties of this age should be
carefully considered when they are proposed for replacement as we have lost many
landmarks and much of the original core of the historic downtown. If this building
retains its historic integrity beneath the present facade, it deserves to be evaluated for its
significance since the building (new or old) will eventually become the property of the
City. Second, Wilson was a founding father of our community and this building, if it
retains the historical architectural features that can be seen in older photographs, may
embody his contributions to the community. Third, a number of citizens have urged that
we take the time to fully evaluate the building and, if its architectural features are retained
beneath the current facade, consider preservation options while ensuring that the needs of
the Capitol Theater are met. Finally, the charge given to our Commission is to find ways
to retain our historic properties while meeting the needs of the 21 century. In this, we
respectfully request your assistance.
Sincerely,
Scott Irons, Designer
Vice- Chair, Yakima Historic Preservation Commission
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