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Project: Grays Harbor Restoration
The stunning environmental beauty and rich history of Grays Harbor, the gateway to Southwest Washington’s coastal community, is splendidly apparent, approaching Aberdeen the county’s economic center where the Rotary log pavilion, a waterfront park, statues and sculptures are reminiscent of our rich timber history. The panoramic view from the bridge reveals our fishing industry. Unfortunately, due to a long economic depression decaying buildings and unkempt vacant lots do not reflect our community pride. From the eyesore of the Morck Hotel in downtown Aberdeen to the wilting General Store in Oakville, and nearly condemned Elma Theater, these buildings need major reconstruction or demolition. The community develops attachments to memorable historic places. Often residents and businesses are at odds on what is valuable enough to restore delaying the ability to move forward to a better resolution.
Local youth know little about the history of where they are growing up. Many people do not know that Heron Street was the red-light district when Grays Harbor was a thriving port town or the South Aberdeen Bridge had a Gunnery Station to protect the harbor that during WWII. Our cultural is rooted deeply in our infamous past, major deep water shipping port and a prosperous natural resource based economy of logging and fishing. There should more historic markers with information throughout the county.
Considerations in Major Renovations
The owners of properties in need of renovation face challenges
requiring careful thought, and planning to know the community and understand what they community need, want or hate in community revitalization. Good public relations foster support and acceptance throughout the transition. As much as people complain about the way things are, they are also resistant to change. They would rather see a building stand vacant and useless than used for something they do not believe in. Does preservation pay?
Grays Harbor County is in great need of economic growth and job opportunities. We need to restore these historical buildings so future residence can enjoy the benefits that come from it. One issue that arises when historical preservation is discussed in the public eye is whether or not the cost will exceed the benefits. By most accounts, it is more efficient and profitable to preserve a historical building than to construct a new one. This however is hard to demonstrate because many of the benefits are priceless or immeasurable. Some of the positive externalities of historical preservation are memorial power, beauty, attachment, social gathering and other priceless qualities. These are all qualitative which is harder to determine and interpret than standard quantitative data. Applying only the quantitative measures of historic preservation does not express the full value of preservation as a public good or cultural expression. Historical preservation consists primarily to maintain and create cultural values. These cultural values can’t be dismissed just because they are hard to measure.
Many other states have proof that historical preservation has economic benefits. According to recent studies, historic preservation activities have generated more than $1.4 billion of economic activity in Texas each year. Rehabilitation of historic properties in Georgia during a five-year period created 7,550 jobs and $201 million in earnings. Each dollar of Maryland's historic preservation tax credit leverages $6.70 of economic activity within that State. In one year, direct and indirect expenditures by heritage tourists in Colorado reached $3.1 billion. [*] Heritage travelers spend more, do more and stay longer than other types of tourists.[†]
During the restoration of historical buildings, the labor of love can become a heartache when the project is managed poorly. Cost over-run, volunteers, contractors, safety codes are just a few of the issues that can make the project a nightmare. Everyone loves the nostalgia of our older buildings in Grays Harbor. Sadly, decay and structural damage may prevent some of them from being preserved in their original design. Here is a brief tour of the ReStore in Olympia, WA that demonstrate the variety of materials available.Themay have those charming rare items that add that special finishing touch to a building restoration.
John Yocich, an Aberdeen High School graduate who left the area to find success is making a major investment in downtown Aberdeen and has aready started making a difference. He plans to bring new life and style to the historic downtown area by renovating the D&R Theater, the Morck Hotel, Aberdeen Theater and the Elks Building.
Projects Underway or Complete
- Morck Hotel
- DNR
- Hoquaim Aquatic Center
- Clarks Restaurant (Cosmopolis)
People with money to invest are looking for the right ideas.
Hoquiam just received a designation of Historical Preservation District which they fought hard to obtain. One of the benefits is that you can write off expenses incurred for capital improvements if you keep the building in the original era. John Larson of the Polson Museum had access to pictures from the Jones Photo Collection where he can find pictures historic buildings in their original form.They are looking for members to form a Group Think Tank (commons) to meet and submit ideas to the Developer's Forum Committee. Ben Winkelman, a Hoquiam city councilman and an initial member of the Hoquiam Business Association who commissioned the Berk and Associates Report for the city's Economic Development Plan, is enthusiastic about this project and is anxious to see our results. He is willing to give advice to people interested in community revitalization and restoration. To find out zoning issues, get direction, speak with zoning and planning people, contact Brian Shay at the GH Economic Councils. The historical preservation district has information about pursuing Hoquiam projects.
Potential Projects
- Aberdeen Theater
- Elma Theatre
- Old Safeway/Lavogue Department Store
Conclusion
Social data indicates that people are withdrawing from public commitments opting for a more solitary life style. What would it take to bring the people of our community together for the common purpose of adaptive re-use? Other cities have developed strategic plans for economic development and revitalization. There are individuals and small action groups in our community with dreams for the restoration of these historic buildings. The time for preservation or demolition is now. Grays Harbor County is focused on economic development, restoration and building a strong sense of pride. Community members sharing stories and experiences will also restore a resurgence of pride.
Attend a play at the Elma Theatre, D&R or visit the Mork Hotel and leave with a visual memory of incredible architecture and history that goes with it. Sharing that history generates a buzz that increases interest in our region.
[†] Travel Industry Association of America
Research
Resources
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GailWinkelman |
Latest page update: made by GailWinkelman
, Mar 28 2008, 1:55 AM EDT
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