 |
Historic Seattle, a leading historic preservation organizations in King County, began a new era in its history this year with the appointment of Kathleen Brooker as its executive director. She replaces former executive director John Chaney, who recently retired. Before coming to Seattle, Brooker spent 15 years as president and CEO of Historic Denver, and her experience includes a stint as a deputy state preservation officer in the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office. She was also executive director of the Lowell Historic Board in Lowell, Mass. |
Preservation 4Culture asked Brooker for her views on the challenges facing historic preservation in Seattle. |
Q: Why does historic preservation excite you?
A: Preservation has always interested me, first as a kid (I liked my parents' and grandparents' childhood toys and books better than my own!) and then as I became interested in the stories of my family roots in Iowa and Minnesota. As a young adult I started out in the arts field and discovered architecture as a really public kind of art. My original desire to work in the museum field was transformed into an interest in the built environment, where our entire life as a community is played out. When I trained as an architect, my interest in history and heritage was renewed. That excitement occurs on a daily basis for me; I love being at the heart of great places.
Q: Do you see Historic Seattle as primarily an advocacy organization? And educational organization? Facilitating/financing real estate transactions? Any new roles?
A: I see Historic Seattle as a public development authority first: We actually "do" preservation projects, on our own and in collaboration. The opportunities for this work are on the rise as development pressure continues. Coming up with creative strategies for reuse that meet the growing needs for arts and non-profit space and affordable housing, as well as matching historic buildings with new uses, is our special interest. Education has always been a strong component of that work, and through that we have attracted volunteers and members to our programs. I envision Historic Seattle as a leader in the sustainability movement, and being an advocate for the kind of livable, walkable, and unique city we all want to have in our future. Advocacy is vital to making that happen.
Q: How should preservationists approach the rampant tear-down trend that's altering our neighborhoods so dramatically?
A: I think it's important to distinguish between new infill that is designed to fit within a neighborhood context and teardowns that are driven by speculation and without consideration of the special character of a specific neighborhood. Teardowns-those projects in the second camp-can adversely impact not only neighborhood character but can extract a high environmental cost as well. If neighborhoods are willing to accept regulation, they can request historic district designation. I think this tool has been underused in Seattle, actually. Conservation overlays may be more appropriate in neighborhoods which are older but not necessarily historic. These can be crafted to protect the qualities that make a neighborhood distinctive. The ability to transfer air rights to neighborhoods from downtown should be investigated. Councilmember Sally Clark has called for the addition of incentives to drive reinvestment in a positive direction; and we hope to be part of that discussion.
Q: How can the preservation movement in Seattle best make the link between preservation and sustainability?
A: To quote Dick Moe, the president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the greenest building is the one we already have. Our existing building stock represents a huge investment in material and labor and energy already made. By developing new uses for our existing buildings we can avoid adding them to the landfill. We also know that many older buildings are inherently energy efficient due to the quality of their construction. The challenge is to demonstrate how they can be effectively rehabilitated and to become more active in creating partnerships that respond to community needs. We then end up with not just restored buildings, but places that shelter vibrant use. The Good Shepherd Center is a great example. We know there are many more ahead.
Q: What opportunities do you see to partner with 4Culture, another PDA, in preserving historic properties?
A: I see 4Culture and Historic Seattle coming together to create the partnerships that bring the arts and neighborhood conservation together. A project like Washington Hall, which would house arts groups in a landmark fraternal hall, creates a highly visible, tangible link to the past and is an expression of optimism about the potential for vibrant uses in old places. These are the kinds of places that become the cornerstones of our community that encourage the best kinds of reinvestment.
Q: If you could accomplish one thing at Historic Seattle, what would it be?
A: I would like Historic Seattle to create new partnerships in preservation advocacy; with a focus on neighborhoods and smaller commercial districts as well as individual buildings. Historic Seattle's council and membership are excited about the opportunities to expand our role in this direction.
Q: What is Historic Seattle's place in the national discussion about preservation?
A: Historic Seattle has been a leader nationally in the preservation movement. We were established in 1974, at a time when urban renewal and under-investment threatened major cities across the county. As a public development authority, Historic Seattle demonstrated that cities could be effective developers of historic properties. The future challenges are related to our own success as preservationists in making cities attractive again. All the urban stakeholders, developers and residents alike, understand that unique assets which give our cities identity must be protected. We have a new generation to support and encourage.
Kathleen Brooker can be reached at Historic Seattle, 206-622-6952, kathleenb@historicseattle.org.
related links
|
