Concerning Bonnie J. Tough’s Nov. 10 op-ed, “How many lives is Gas Works structure worth?”: Suggesting that the one “resolution” to save lots of lives at Gasoline Works Park is the full removing of the character-defining pipes, stairs and catwalks hooked up to the commercial cracking towers ignores an intensive understanding of the issue and the potential of a nuanced resolution.
The truth is, the Seattle Landmarks Board rejected a plan in October that might have utterly eliminated ladders and different buildings from the towers at Gasoline Works Park. We’d like a “each/and” decision reasonably than an “both/or” repair. Pitting Seattle households, parks officers and preservationists towards each other is neither productive nor honest.
I imagine the group wishes two main outcomes: First, we don’t need youngsters climbing on the towers and hurting or killing themselves. Second, we need to protect the landmark. As an architect who has served on the Seattle Landmarks Board for eight years (six as chair), I’m aware of the discussions that happen round all these issues. Two related components inside the preservation ordinance to be thought-about when altering a landmark are: the extent to which the proposed alteration would adversely have an effect on the precise traits of the landmark; and the reasonableness, or lack thereof, of the proposed alteration in gentle of different options.
A number of strains of inquiry stem from these components. Would removing of the pipes, catwalks and stairs adversely affect the defining traits of the landmark? What options has the Parks Division developed to resolve the issue? What precedents have been employed in different conditions? I can guarantee you this isn’t the primary time designers have thought-about preserve youngsters from climbing.
Eradicating the assorted components hooked up to the towers would adversely affect the landmark. The remnants of our industrial previous that wrap across the towers outline the landmark a minimum of hearth escapes and water towers assist outline the Nineteenth-century historic buildings of Pioneer Sq..
When it comes to precedent, hearth escapes are the apparent instance of a approach to forestall climbing. Throughout the planet, hearth escapes are usually situated one or two flooring above floor to stop individuals from climbing. Might this work at Gasoline Works? After all! Has the Parks Division proposed such a repair or another options? No.
Why not? I don’t know, however I think the reply lies inside the subtext of Tough’s op-ed. She states, “Fifty years have handed. The getting older towers are corroded, brittle, and falling aside.” Might it’s that the Parks Division hasn’t invested within the upkeep of the landmark buildings and deems it simpler to take away the assorted appurtenances reasonably than correctly keep them? Might a win/win resolution emerge that proposes to demolish the remnant industrial cladding inside roughly 20 ft of the bottom; restore the low-hanging components so that they can’t be climbed; restore and keep the remaining towers and appurtenances; and even take away the barbed-wire fence that panorama architect Wealthy Haag, rightly, disdained? Sure.
I’ve little doubt that an earnest dialogue between the group, parks and landmarks board can develop a workable various that resolves this subject whereas conserving the construction’s integrity and security in thoughts.
A crucial subsequent step at Gasoline Works can be a Preservation Grasp Plan to information long-term administration and stewardship of the historic property. It will embrace a structural analysis coupled with a safety and use administration plan to make sure public security. The plan may additionally discover public-private partnerships and Nationwide Historic Landmark designation to assist with funding.
Lastly, reasonably than succumb to headlines like “What number of lives is Gasoline Works Park construction price?” and wait till historic assets are falling aside, let’s get out in entrance of all these crises. Rejoice our luck with a Gasoline Works Music Competition, a Kite Carnival at Lake Union, Gasoline Works Gastronomy, or dozens of different alternatives to construct public consciousness, elevate cash and acknowledge this jewel that {couples} Seattle’s pure magnificence with our industrial heritage. It’s what makes us an amazing metropolis.
