Originally published Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (29)
E-mail article
Print view
Historic designation sought for Alaskan Way Viaduct
Architect and civic activist Art Skolnik has again filed an application with the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to have the Alaskan Way Viaduct named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Architect and civic activist Art Skolnik has again filed an application with the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to have the Alaskan Way Viaduct named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Skolnik has long been an advocate of repairing, not replacing, the 2.2-mile viaduct, which opened in 1953.
The state is now weighing eight options for replacing the viaduct, everything from a tunnel to another elevated structure to surface streets.
In his application, Skolnik said the viaduct and Battery Street Tunnel are "two of the more innovative and creative structures built during that decade."
He said the viaduct was the first double-deck bridge built in Washington, which is a significant engineering feature that should grant it landmark status.
State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks said Skolnik has twice submitted an application for historic status, but those applications weren't accepted because they didn't meet professional standards.
If this application is acceptable, it will be considered in February by the governor's advisory committee on historic preservation. If the committee recommends historic status, the recommendation goes to the National Park Service, which makes the final determination, said Brooks.
Ironically, she said, Skolnik supports retrofitting, rather than replacing the viaduct. She said a retrofit would destroy its historical significance and it would be removed from the registry.
"For our purposes, the proposed Skolnik retrofit creates enough damage as a demolished property and it comes off historic register," Brooks said.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 01:28 AM
Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
NEW - 12:13 AM
How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
Danny Westneat: Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
Parents want answers on new Seattle school boundaries
3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- Suspect in officer's slaying shot by police
- Stormy weather to continue today in the Seattle area
- UCLA game thread
939 - Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
389 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
334 - Decision day for health care in the House
200 - McGinn widens lead over Mallahan in Seattle mayoral race
183 - U.S. House passes health plan
106 - Schools emerge as new tactic in gay marriage votes
99 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
94 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
80 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
79
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- Guest columnist | Cut the South Carolina jokes, Seattle. Get ready to compete
- Movie review | 'An Education' you won't forget
- Practical Mac | With new features, Apple's MobileMe is worth the price
- H1N1 vaccine for high-risk group coming to King Co. pharmacies
- Shoreline man killed when struck by falling tree part
- Do It in a Day | Spend a cozy, homey day in Edmonds






