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Kevin Daniels / Practices what he preaches from the gospel of preservation

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BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Some of the most high-profile local historic-preservation successes of the past decade have been stimulated, coaxed along and completed by Nitze-Stagen & Co. under its president, Kevin Daniels. Among them: Union Station, the Sears/Starbucks Center, the Cadillac Hotel and the recent proposal to save First United Methodist Church. Daniels has been a passionate and articulate spokesperson. More importantly, he has approached preservation challenges with a "can do" attitude and a willingness to pick up the phone, write letters, assemble people who can help and move forward when some would have simply given up.

Q: What initially motivated you to focus on older buildings rather than build new?

A: Firstly, it was a lifelong love for trains. My grandfather and father worked for Union Pacific. That led naturally to my interest in train stations and the opportunity that presented itself in Union Station. Secondly, it was an opportunity to join a board to give back to the community. That board happened to be Historic Seattle.

Q: Which of your projects posed the most challenges?

A: That changes at any given moment. When an earthquake hit the Sears building, that was the one. The most impossible project that was successful was the Cadillac. If we knew what we know today, back then — and there were a lot of people saying it couldn't be done — if we had listened to them, the reality was it wouldn't be done. But the best project was Union Station. That was my passion.

Q: Of all the work you have done, what brings you the most satisfaction and pride?

A: I'd have to say that it is not the projects but the people at this firm, at Historic Seattle and in other organizations, and to see the impact you can make together knowing that you, as well as a lot of other people, are making it a better place to live, a better community.

Q: What would your advice be to historic property owners?

A: Embrace it; don't fear it. Remember what you are doing: preserving this history of the city that's important in some way, whether it's the architecture of the building or the people who were in the building. No civilization has ever been great unless it is built on a strong foundation and it remembers that foundation.