Title
Update on Historic Resources Inventory
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the update. Information only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss Downtown historic property survey which is currently underway.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Michelle Sadlier, City of Olympia Historic Preservation Officer
Background and Analysis:
This year, the City of Olympia received grant funding to hire a consultant to conduct a comprehensive historic property survey of more than75 blocks in Downtown Olympia. As described in the Request for Proposals (See Attachment), this survey is intended to "provide the City with baseline information needed to make thoughtful decisions on managing change in our historic Downtown."
Intent
While the timing of this survey is intended to support the ongoing work of the Downtown Strategy and its implementation, Olympia has long needed a comprehensive source on the historical significance and character of the buildings in our commercial core. Right now, Olympia has some good records but they are piecemeal and mostly out-of-date.
As a result, we rely heavily on staff time and interpretation. For instance, staff handles each query from the public on a case-by-case basis on these common issues:
* Providing advice to a developer on maintaining a designated building's special character early in the project proposal process;
* Helping a building owner do the research necessary to successfully propose their property for the Olympia Heritage Register; and
* Promoting the use of tax incentives for designated historic properties.
This ad-hoc approach means that we are surely missing out on opportunities to help our community preserve and enhance our city's unique character.
Actions
The goal of this survey is to provide the City with systematic, min...
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