Neighborhoods: The proposed monorail route through Seattle Center is one of the most controversial sections of the 14-mile line. Those against this route feel that the integrity of the place and its civic function within the city, would be greatly and irreparably compromised. Is the proposed alignment through the Center, along the edge of the International Fountain a preservation issue? The answer may lie, in part, in the place of history and change on the Seattle Center's site. More.

Public Policy: Organized historic preservation efforts got their start in greater King County nearly thirty years ago. Always at the forefront, the King County Historic Preservation Program has been one of the most innovative local preservation agencies in the nation. The program is particularly known for its underlying connections to the grass-roots heritage community, for its extended reach into the cities and towns of King County through interlocal agreements, and for the balance it offers between strong regulation and attractive incentives. More.

Voices: Longtime neighborhood advocate Debby Gibby shares her experiences as a First Hill Community Council member, and that organization's decades-long struggle to promote preservation, housing, and development. More.

Preservation & Environment: Like many interested in the fate of Seattle's historic First United Methodist Church, Historic Seattle submitted comments on the draft environmental impact statement for the project conceived to replace the 1907 building. The environmental impact statement, as its name suggests, evaluates impacts to the environment - including traffic, air quality, historic preservation, aesthetics, and other elements - and suggests ways to mitigate these impacts. More.

Techniques & Technology: Homeowners' insurance is something most of us take for granted, but historic properties are often much more difficult to insure than new construction. Jennifer Schreck, a Steilacoom, WA based preservationist, shares her experiences and practical advice. More.

Pending Landmarks: First Hill's Northcliffe Apartments (1119 Boren Avenue) and the Ames Building (at the corner of Stewart and Second Avenue) are being considered for landmark status. This month's feature provides background on the nominations, the buildings, and the issues. More.