Christal Wood

Christal Wood

Mayor of Seattle (nonpartisan)

RESPONSE RECEIVED: August 5

1.  Why is historic preservation important?

Historic preservation grounds us in our sense of identity and place, to be able to touch, see, and feel structures that our forbearers put in place retains their spirit and artistry and enriches us as a culture.

2.  What should government’s role be in local, state, and national preservation issues, concerns, and opportunities?

Government’s role should be to ensure that our historical interests are protected in the same measure as our steps into the future with innovations and endeavors at “development” through statute, and through public education and leadership.

3.  What is your track record of supporting local historic preservation programs?

I have participated to whatever degree possible in efforts to preserve historical buildings in our neighborhoods. I was part of the Save the Lillian Coalition which endeavored to preserve the Lillian, built in 1905, one of a handful of remaining wooden apartment structures in Seattle. It had also provided 33 units of low-income housing. Unfortunately, it was not designated as a historic landmark and the City “fast-tracked” Vulcan’s demolition of it, despite the efforts of many activists. In the future, you can be assured that historic preservation has a special place in my heart and perspective.

4.  Local government entities own many historic properties, both designated as well as eligible for designation as landmarks.  What is your position on the stewardship of these properties?  What amount of funding for maintenance and rehabilitation would you support for these properties? 

As much as possible.

5.  What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for designated landmarks?

I would rely heavily on organizations such as yours to recommend any additional policy changes.

6.  What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for buildings which have previously been surveyed and were determined to be eligible for a landmark designation?

I would support increasing the number of designations made for those buildings previously determined to be eligible.

7.  What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for older buildings which have not yet been surveyed and have not been evaluated for eligibility for a landmark designation?

I would support increasing the capacity to survey and evaluate older buildings for designation.

8.  In communities across the nation, public funds have been used to survey the historic integrity of neighborhoods.  In what ways would you support a comprehensive survey to identify, evaluate, and potentially designate properties as historic landmarks? 

I will support increased funding if possible. I would also support a public awareness campaign to garner more community support.

9.  Some community plans call for protection of architectural character and historic buildings with the establishment of conservation districts and design controls.  What actions would you support to sustain community character?

I will support the community plans and the community’s definition of “community character.”

10.  The Mayor has proposed height and density increases in the downtown area.  This proposal, combined with an improving economy, will increase pressure to demolish historic structures.  To address this concern, the proposal includes additional incentives for retaining historic structures.  Do you support these changes as proposed?  If not, why not?  What other preservation incentives or controls do you think should be considered?

I do not support the Mayor’s density proposal for Downtown for many reasons. That said, I do not support monetary incentives to developers, should the plan be applied. I do support further restrictions on demolition of historic buildings, and increasing the number of buildings eligible for that status.

11.  Designated historic districts are already established in Seattle, including Pioneer Square, the International District, Columbia City, and Ballard.  How would you support the allocation of additional city resources to continue architecturally sensitive development in these historic areas?

I will support existing restrictions concerning historic buildings and districts.