Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Olympia Heritage Month and Review of 2022 Preservation Award Nominations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Heritage Commission recommends proclaiming May as Olympia Heritage Month and review the 2022 Heritage Award Nominees as recommended by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim May as Olympia Heritage Month and review the 2022 Heritage Award nominees.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim May as Heritage Month in Olympia and review nominations for 2022 Heritage Awards.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Garner Miller, Heritage Commission Vice Chair
Background and Analysis:
In May of each year, the City of Olympia recognizes the importance of our local history and heritage by declaring May as Heritage Month and recognizes individuals and organizations who make important contributions to historic preservation in Olympia.
The emphasis has traditionally been on brick-and-mortar preservation, research, and interpretive projects. Last year however, consistent with a desire to recognize a greater diversity of achievement, the Commission brought forward nominations recognizing other ways that local heritage is meaningfully shared, including the work of a local playwright and a documentary film producer among our nominees.
This year the Commission continues the effort to recognize a broad range of heritage resources that that shape our community character and identity, while continuing to also highlight excellence in traditional preservation.
In that spirit, the nominees for 2022 include three very different small businesses that have stood the test of time to become local landmarks in our community, who the commission proposes to recognize as Olympia Legacy Businesses.
According to the American Planning Association, “The definition of “legacy business” varies from locality to locality, but in general the term applies to longstanding, independent enterprises that make a strong contribution to community character. Legacy businesses are cultural anchors, repositories of community traditions and stories. They are run by what the City of North Miami calls “serial entrepreneurs,” often providing a foothold and place to prosper for immigrants to the United States.” (American Planning Association 2022, PAS Memo #109)
The following nominations for 2022 have been selected and are recommended by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee and the Heritage Commission for approval by City Council. The full text of the nominations, prepared by Heritage Commissioners, are included with a staff report prepared for this meeting’s consent calendar.
• Excellence in Rehabilitation - The Angelus Hotel
For exemplary rehabilitation of the historic Angelus Hotel, completing exterior preservation and interior improvements to re-establish safe, functional and attractive living and commercial spaces in the Downtown Olympia National Historic District.
• Historic Preservation - Howard Point Place Name Project
In appreciation for restoration of Howard Point to official State maps.
• Olympia Legacy Business - Jack’s Shoe Repair and Alteration
In recognition for continuous service to the Olympia community for more than seventy-seven years.
• Olympia Legacy Business - The Eastside Club Tavern
Recognizing 80 years as a family run and operated business serving the Olympia community.
• Olympia Legacy Business - KGY Radio
Applauding 100 years of marking memories through music and connecting listeners to the Olympia community.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Preservation and recognition of Olympia’s heritage is an important way to for the community to maintain a sense of place and connection to the past.
Options:
1. Proclaim May as Heritage Month and review the 2022 Heritage Award nominees.
2. Do not proclaim May as Heritage Month or review the 2022 Heritage Award nominees.
3. Proclaim May as Heritage Month and modify the 2022 Heritage Award Nominees.
Financial Impact:
There is a minimal cost to create award certificates. Awards are funded by the Community Planning and Development administrative budget.
Attachments:
Proclamation