Title
Draft Plaque Text: Avalon Store Building & Christensen Radio Repair Shop
Recommended Action
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of draft text options for newly listed commercial buildings in Downtown Olympia: Avalon Store Building & Christensen Radio Repair Shop
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Background and Analysis:
The Christensen Radio Repair Shop (address) and Avalon Store Building (address) were approved by the Heritage Commission for listing on the Olympia Heritage Register on November 30, 2016.
Ms. Sadlier has worked with both applicants to draft text for the bronze plaques that will be manufactured and posted to commemorate the buildings’ listing on the Register. The Commission will provide input on two options provided for each building.
Circular bronze plaques for the Register follow a standard format as follows:
Historical Name of Building
(Determined by Heritage Commission based on evidence provided at application determination)
Date of Construction
(Determined by Heritage Commission based on evidence provided at application determination)
Text which summarizes the building’s significance
(Space limited to about 50 words at most, though fewer can increase the readability; Significance determined by Heritage Commission based on evidence provided at application determination; Text drafted by staff with applicant and Commission input)
The original application for the Register and historical details on each property can be found in the meeting packet <https://olympia.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=438329&GUID=AD5EF377-7FC3-4E61-B8E0-306F12F86CD1&Options=info&Search=> for the November 30, 2016 meeting. Additional materials will be provided by staff and applicants at tonight’s meeting.
Christensen Radio Repair
Christensen Radio Repair Shop
1949
Text Draft 1 (initial draft by staff):
This simple building is an example of utilitarian, mid-century, commercial design and thought to be one of the first new buildings constructed Downtown after Olympia’s first major recorded earthquake. For nearly two decades, it served as the repair shop for the successful radio store in next-door Avalon Store Building.
Word Count: 49
Text Draft 2 (including additional input from applicant):
This mid-century, commercial building is potentially one of the first new buildings constructed Downtown after Olympia’s first major recorded earthquake. For decades, it was the repair shop for Christensen Radio, which served the community out of the Avalon Store Building. It contains hallmarks of its use and period: large storefront windows, inset doorway, and canopy hardware.
Word Count: 56
Avalon Store Building
Avalon Store Building
1928
Text Draft 1 (initial draft by staff):
This commercial building formed part of the Avalon Theater development, designed by Northwest architect Franklin Cox Stanton. It was the home of two long-time Olympia businesses: C.R. Harris Paint Headquarters and Christensen Radio Shop. It is the last remnant of the original theater complex, once a Downtown entertainment hub.
Word Count: 49
Text Draft 2 (applicant’s suggested text):
This building formed part of the Avalon Theater complex, designed by Northwest architect Franklin Cox Stanton.
Word Count: 16