I frequently receive calls from desperate people. Many are concerned about the trajectory of development in Seattle in general. What can they do, they ask, to maintain the unique and irreplaceable? Some are concerned with specific projects, or are spooked by ominous DCLU signs. Although preservationists can't save everything, we as a community can do a much better job preserving our built heritage. Here are a handful of suggestions.

10. Invest in the future. Take a cue from a few friends of mine, Brad Conway and Karin Richard. The couple, along with a number of their friends, pooled financial and professional resources, and purchased a property in need of TLC in the Central District. The group of investors included architects, a real estate agent, a lawyer, and others who just wanted to invest money. Most investors also contributed substantial amounts of sweat equity. The house, once an eyesore, now glows and has attracted the admiration of neighbors. And Seattle real estate is still a sound investment, and is now more stable than the stock market.

9. Invest in community. The phrase "think globally, act locally" applies to both the natural and built environment. By patronizing small businesses in historic buildings, such as those located in Pioneer Square, you are contributing to the upkeep of those properties. Conversely, it is more unlikely that a historic building will be maintained if the tenant business is unsuccessful, or if turnover rates are high. Rents technically help pay for maintenance. Conversely, driving to outlet malls on the outskirts of town works against preservation by supporting sprawl.

8. Vote. Pay attention to the news, and keep plugged in to the relationship between initiatives, public policies, and historic preservation. Historic Seattle has stepped up its advocacy efforts, which includes more interviews, public information, and candidate surveys related to historic preservation within local politics and public policy. Transportation, housing, and economic development initiatives and policies often have an impact on the built environment.

7. Be Active in Your Neighborhood. Almost every Seattle neighborhood has one or more community councils or neighborhood associations. These councils oftentimes mediate between the city and local residents, and are privy to information provided by both sides. Sitting on a neighborhood board or council is time consuming and sometimes exasperating, but is extremely important. Historic preservation and neighborhood planning are very closely related, especially when issues of "community character" are concerned. Having a title within one of these community associations also, fortunately or unfortunately, often counts for more when communicating with the press and government agencies.

6. Walk. Historic preservation, especially within districts and neighborhoods, contributes to the pedestrian experience. While many people understand the value of bicycling or walking for environmental or health reasons, few probably think about how walking effects their perception of our city, its neighborhoods and streets. A walking pace (or a jogging pace) not only provides time for appreciation of our architectural heritage, it also contributes to careful observation of potential threats. Whizzing by a building at 40 miles an hour, it is easy to miss a DCLU sign or evidence of forced entry, or other red flags. Also, if you have kids, walking with them in older neighborhoods encourages a connection to historic buildings, and can help build a preservation ethic that will last a lifetime.

5. Live in the Past. If given their druthers, many Seattleites seem to prefer old to new. Living in an older home, especially a "remuddled" one, can be challenging, and the payoffs can be far from immediate. Taking a chance on a fixer-upper is, however, extremely satisfying for many people, and helps preserve the architectural heritage of our neighborhoods. There are numerous contractors who can help you do right by your old home, and Historic Seattle provides a number of fun and informative programs that help you help yourself.

4. Be Your Own Historian. Today's shutterbug is tomorrow's documentarian. Taking photographs, ideally black and white, of historic buildings in your city and neighborhood, as well as special and everyday events, contributes to the historic record. Learning how to take photographs with a 35mm camera, and even developing prints yourself, can also be immensely entertaining. Taking photographs of endangered buildings, and documenting today's built environment, may very well help future generations understand and appreciate our city's identity. Take a long view. Think about how much you enjoy looking at fifty-year-old photographs. Then imagine how much others will appreciate your records fifty years from now. It may sound frivolous, but many snapshots from the past are invaluable today.

3. Use Information Technology. The internet provides limitless information about public process, and the status of buildings you care about. Visit the City of Seattle's website (http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us), especially the Department of Construction and Land Use and the Department of Neighborhood's Preservation page. You can search DCLU's site for information about buildings now being reviewed for demolition or alteration. You can also receive regular email updates of landmarks board meetings, and general mailing releases outlining all building permits submitted to the city by simply sending your email address to the proper administrative staff in these departments. It is important to keep up to date on the status of buildings regulated by the city process, because comment periods tend to be brief and strictly proscribed.

2. Talk to Strangers. Knowing you aren't alone in your concerns is extremely valuable. Generally, if you're worried about the fate of a historic building, so are a dozen other people. Thanks to Historic Seattle's organizational mission, and community role, we receive many similar calls, and are able to link people engaged in common problems. There is strength in numbers. If you are concerned about a historic building, let Historic Seattle know. It is much easier to take a stand for preservation when we know many members will support our actions. Also, twenty letters to public officials on any specific building is too many to be ignored.

1. Be an Active Member. Historic Seattle was chartered by the City of Seattle in 1974 to preserve our city's unique architectural heritage. We've come a long way since then, and are now more engaged than ever in bricks and mortar preservation as well as advocacy. If you haven't already, you should give us your email address so that you can be a direct part of our email advocacy network. Public sponsorship helps support this monthly online magazine conceived to explain many aspects of preservation policy and practice in our area. We welcome feature ideas for new content and tips from members and members-to-be who care about the fate of Seattle's most significant places, and want, in their own way, to make a difference.

View last month's Techniques & Technology article

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