Neighborhoods: Though the waterfront is rarely considered a neighborhood unto itself, the edge of Elliott Bay has its own set of preservation issues that are inextricably bound to the city's economic health, major transportation initiatives, and Seattle's identity as a whole. More.

Public Policy: While connections between cities and communities have played a very significant role in the history of the western United States, the construction of roads and highways in the latter half of the 20th century has had a monumental, and oftentimes catastrophic impact on historic urban centers, small towns, and cultural landscapes. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA-21), updated by the Transportation Equity Act of 1998 (TEA-21), provided funding to address damage wrought in the past. This act provided a major source of funding for public projects, including historic preservation activity, which was not available before. More.

Young Voices: This year, several students in the University of Washington's undergraduate Community and Environmental Planning Program (CEP) are helping to bridge that gap as a part of their core studies.The CEP major is designed to give students tools to fulfill public and community service roles, based on several core issues. These include quality of life enhancement, the environment, social equity and managing growth. More.

Preservation & Environment: As part of Seattle's Olmsted legacy Seward Park is an example of a planning philosophy that recognized the need to preserve remnants of the past while looking to the future. As early as 1892, the city's first park superintendent, E.O. Schwagerl, recommended acquiring the site for public use. Subsequently, the Olmsted Brothers Comprehensive System of Parks and Parkways plan of 1903 noted the potential of the small peninsula along the western shores of Lake Washington. More.

Techniques & Technology: In 1975, Historic Seattle contracted with architect and activist Victor Steinbrueck and Folke Nyberg to survey Seattle's neighborhoods. The project, funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, provided a tremendous resource which is still valuable today. The following is an excerpt from the survey that helps to contextualize the various architectural styles found throughout the city. More.

Pending Landmarks: The Landmarks Board will be considering three landmark nominations on January 15. Two are linked to Olmsted Brothers designs, while the other is one of the oldest houses on Capitol Hill. And yes, there's also an elevator proposal ... More.