Fate of historic building set for Oct. 1

After 15 years of emotional community debate, the Mukilteo City Council finally plans to decide the fate of Rosehill Community Center.

A clear majority say they favor restoring the 79-year-old building, which served as Rosehill School from 1928 to 1973, rather than razing it to build a new recreation center. A vote is scheduled Oct. 1.

But three of the council's seven members also want to poll voters by placing an advisory question on the ballot early next year.

What if the public votes against the council's choice?

"It's an interesting quandary," said Councilman Marko Liias, who supports both the renovation and a ballot vote.

At least the options are clear, thanks to new cost estimates delivered last week by ARC, a Seattle architectural firm. The council asked ARC to review and reconcile the findings of three previous — and conflicting — studies performed since 1993.

For about $10 million, ARC has calculated, the city could renovate and refurnish the old elementary school on Lincoln Avenue near the city's northern tip. Modifications made in the 1970s — the blue-painted plywood trim, the mansard roof, the "modern" windows — would be stripped off, original architectural details would be restored and the existing interior design would remain intact.

An additional $1.4 million would pay for a gutting and reconstruction of the building's interior as well, to create a more efficient setting for the city's recreation programs and take better advantage of a stunning view of Puget Sound.

Or for a clean sweep, the city could spend more than $14 million to raze the entire school and build a new community center from scratch. That estimate includes costs not required for a renovation, such as moving utilities underground and building an amphitheater to cover the hole now occupied by Rosehill's basement.

Regardless of the council's Rosehill decision, the city is poised to transform its recreation programming. After decades of passive management — simply leasing Rosehill classrooms and meeting spaces to private providers — the city recently hired its first recreation director. Jennifer Berner, formerly recreation supervisor for Mercer Island, is charged with developing a more traditional, city-directed program.

The building's interior has deteriorated, reflecting decades of indecision about its long-term future. But the old school is full of life.

Late last week, volunteers were setting up for the annual Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival. Indoors, Jazzercise students sweated to the strains of KT Tunstall, tiny ballerinas skipped through the hallways in leotards and tutus, and musicians practiced the violin in rented classrooms.

On other days, the facility hosts karate, yoga and Scottish dance classes. It also is home to the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce, the Gene Nastri Community School of the Arts, Mukilteo Seniors and a thrift shop.

"The community is pretty well split on this," said Lee Walton, interim city administrator. "There is one group that is pretty much adamant about the historical issue being the most important; other people feel the ultimate function is the most important. That's what stalled it [a decision] in years past."

The two sides don't break along obvious lines, he added. Some longtime residents who attended Rosehill School want to tear it down, while some newcomers are among the building's staunchest defenders.

Councilman Tony Tinsley, for instance, moved to Mukilteo in 2002. Saving Rosehill was part of his campaign when he ran for office four years ago.

"I have traveled throughout the United States, and one of the cherished possessions I find a community has is their history. It ties them to where they came from, and where they're going," said Tinsley, a retired psychology professor. "Here in Mukilteo, we've lost most of our early history. Rosehill School is one of the very few things we do have left, so I think we need to preserve it."

Bruce Richter, on the other hand, is the council's most outspoken supporter of bulldozing Rosehill. Yet he and his wife both are Rosehill alums.

"In my mind, it's time now," said Richter, 84. "Other buildings of that vintage have been torn down."

Several council members predict a 5-2 or a 6-1 vote, with Richter and Councilwoman Lori Kaiser the sole supporters of a new recreation center.

Kaiser, however, declined to comment on how she'd vote.

Mayor Joe Marine said he prefers new construction — but he doesn't get a vote.

"I'm still more than willing to let it go to a vote of the people," he said. "Because if I'm wrong ... then I'm fine with that."

Diane Brooks: 425-745-7802 or dbrooks@seattletimes.com