Two insiders' views of what it takes to preserve some of Seattle's historic buildings will be the subject of this month's meeting of the Queen Anne Historical Society.
Adaptive reuseof an older building will be discussed by Maria Barrientos, of Barrientos LLC. Her Leona Condominium conversion project, at 916 Queen Anne Ave. N., is a prime example of what is possible for a historic building. Barrientos will explain the history of this 98-year-old apartment building and describe what it took to get the project through City of Seattle Landmarking and the related Architectural Review Committee processes. Reuse issues include such details as what happens when a retaining wall proves unstable, requiring reworking of the plans, how to reuse old windows, how to put in underground parking on a steep grade and, most importantly, how to make sure the project is profitable for the developer.
Finding the right buyer will be discussed by Chris Moore, field director of Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Focusing on the Seventh Church of Christ Scientist building at 2555 Eighth Ave. W., he will explain how he found another church interested in acquiring and preserving this 81-year-old, architecturally significant building, which was badly in need of repair. That second church ended up purchasing the property for its own use.
The meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30p.m. in the McClure Middle School Library, 1915 First Ave. W. The public is welcome to attend.
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