B&O Espresso, at 1650 E. Olive Way, has been nominated as a Seattle Landmark.
The hearing is tomorrow afternoon (01.20.2010), at 3:30pm in Room 4060 of the Seattle Municipal Tower.
It’s one thing to bemoan a building’s demolition in blog comments, another thing entirely to go to the meeting that could help to save it.
UPDATE by jseattle:
From the Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation site, here are the restrictions placed on a property that is designated a landmark:
The following changes require a Certificate of Approval before work can begin, even if no permit from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is required.
•Any change to the exterior of any building or structure
• Installation of any new sign or changes to existing signs
• A change in the color the building or structure is painted
• Any change in a public right-of-way or other public space, including parks and sidewalks – this may include sidewalk displays, street lights and so forth
• New construction
• Demolition of any building or structure
• Changes to the interior that show from the street, changes to individual business spaces in the Pike Place Market, and changes to the interior of some landmark buildings
• Site alterations in some cases
• A proposed new business or service or an expansion of current use in some cases.
We’ll have more on this when we can track down a few more details from the city and from the building’s developer. We’ve been told that the proposal to designate the structure as a landmark was submitted by Nicholson Kovalchick Architects, the firm working on the plans for the new development at the location.
I am all for saving the present B&O Espresso, however I dont see the building as being a landmark. What gets me about this, is how I have watched buildings with more landmark status being torn down without a blink of an eye…then to save a business, we decide to save the building? This city will always confuse me.
Perhaps the owners are going through the landmark nomination process as a preemptive move (hoping that it will be rejected for landmark status or beat anyone to the punch who might attempt a save-the-building nomination later) similar to the Ballard Dennys back in 2008.
(Of course, the board later reversed their decision and the building was demolished.)
More to the point, here are the Designation Standards for a Seattle Historic Landmark:
In order to be designated, the building, object, or site must be at least 25 years old and *must meet at least one of the six criteria* for designation outlined in the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (SMC 25.12.350):
a) It is the location of, or is associated in a significant way with, a historic event with a significant effect upon the community, City, state, or nation; or
b) It is associated in a significant way with the life of a person important in the history of the City, state, or nation; or
c) It is associated in a significant way with a significant aspect of the cultural, political, or economic heritage of the community, City, state or nation; or
d) It embodies the distinctive visible characteristics of an architectural style, or period, or a method of construction; or
e) It is an outstanding work of a designer or builder; or
f) Because of its prominence of spatial location, contrasts of siting, age, or scale, it is an easily identifiable visual feature of its neighborhood or the city and contributes to the distinctive quality or identity of such neighborhood or the City.
In addition to meeting at least one of the above standards, the object, site, or improvement must also possess integrity or the ability to convey its significance.
The B & O has been in operation since the 70’s, so it is definitely older than 25 years. Also, in my opinion, A, C, and D all apply.
I believe B&O is taking the ground floor space in the new building on that site. I can’t imagine they would throw a monkey wrench into the whole development process, when they are going to be in the exact same spot after construction is done.
I, too, would be glad to see B&O stay in business (under the condition that they bring the mocha chew back to the bakery case lineup), but calling this building a landmark is a stretch.
I love the B&O and admit that the building and the business bring a lot to the neighborhood but after reading through the nomination I just don’t see this being approved.
Here are my thoughts on the six criteria provided by Kayzel above (thanks Kayzel!):
a) No.
b) Not really. As a generally popular eatery it was a regular place for many Seattlites and some have gone on to do important things. However it is not intricately tied to any particularly historic individual.
c) Not significantly. Yes it has been a neighborhood institution and brings a lot of character to the area but it is not unique compared to many other Seattle institutions. Many of the reviews and histories of Seattle’s coffee culture don’t even mention it. The only thing I think it can claim is that it is the SECOND oldest operating coffee house after Cafe Allegro.
d) Not even close. Not only was it originally very generic, but it has been altered regularly since its construction.
e) No known architect or designer. Likely built from a generic plan, similar to sheds and warehouses.
f) Not really. While it does have a bit of charm, it’s not exactly a prominent feature. Think of places like Oddfellows Hall, St. Mark’s Cathedral, or the Ballard Library. These all stand out significantly in contrast to their surroundings. Not the B&O building.
Again, I love the B&O and I hope they can be the anchor tenant of a new building on this site. But don’t get your hopes up for landmark status.
Full Landmark Nomination:
http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/preservation/documents/
I wasn’t thinking of the B&O owners. Anyone can submit a landmark application and attempt to make a strong or weak case for landmark status.
Used to be far more seedy and relaxed – great place for good cheap coffee and to score a bag.
Was very gay for the first decade – as hang out, not pose and pose and pose – bar space.
The most claim to Landmark is the goth ish black paint job – not common.