If history is a function of memory and memory a function of experience, then the landmarks process that has the City of Seattle considering the Pinevue Apartments and not the Bauhaus building for protected status will be remembered as a bit of a cruel riddle. Wednesday afternoon, the lesser loved of the twin turn-of-the-20th century structures at Melrose and Pine will advance to the final round of Seattle’s landmarks decision process. Landmarks in Seattle — right now, as least — are a function of architecture.
[mappress mapid=”25″]Also known as the Timken Roller Bearing building for a long-time commercial tenant, the Pinevue advanced to the designation stage of the process in February while the Melrose and Pine Bauhaus building fell by the wayside as the landmarks board praised the much-loved cafe space for being “remarkably intact” but not rising “to the standard of landmark.”
The Pinevue, on the other hand, received higher praise as an example of early mixed-use architecture on the Hill with enough unique features to keep the design-focused interested. Reviews by the board were mixed in sending the structure through to today’s designation meeting. It’s likely the Pinevue will face even stronger opposition at this more advanced point in the process. CHS examined the case for both buildings prior to the February meeting.
Rising in the background is the Hewitt-designed, 115,000 square-foot development slated to tower above and around the partially preserved remnants of the two buildings. We have calls out to the Madison Development Group behind the project to find out more about what designation and protection of the Pinevue would mean for the project but we haven’t yet heard back.
The full nomination packet — prepared on behalf of the developer — is below.
I should have added today’s meeting info. There is a portion of the meeting for public comment (we’ll let you be the judge as to whether the comment is considered or simply cathartic).
Landmarks Preservation Board Meeting
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, 40th Floor
Room 4060
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – 3:30 p.m.
Pinevue is slated for early in the session — should be on the table just before 4p.
It’s too bad they removed all of the ornate roof/awning details at some point. I always thought the pink strip at the top looked odd – and now I know why.
That’s part of the irony of this landmark process — the developer plans on re-installing the cornice and related details (removed prior to his acquiring the building) that have been removed from the building over the years. Let’s hope the extended, landmarking process does not put this at risk.
some of those items are removed before an earthquake removes them. I’m just glad that didn’t happen with this building. It’ll look great with them back up when it’s all done.
[…] reported on the designation process for the building here. The vote helps clear the way for this 115,000 square-foot development planned to wrap […]
Does anyone know if the Landmark board considers the safety of these old brick buildings during earthquakes? I imagine that many classic, older brick buildings, though historic and beautiful, may be very difficult and/or expensive to retrofit. I appreciate the character of these older buildings but a fault line goes right through the city of Seattle and I also don’t want anyone to be injured during an earthquake.