WSDOT Community Meeting: Learn about the Montlake Historic District Survey, Thursday Jan 16th

Image: 520history.org

Montlake Historic District Survey Community Meeting — Thursday, January 16, 2014 — 7-8pm — Montlake Community Center

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) invites residents of the Montlake community to learn about the historic resource survey and nomination of the Montlake neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This meeting will be an opportunity to:

• Learn about the NRHP nomination process.
• Learn how being listed on the National Register of Historic Places would affect the Montlake community.
• Discuss potential opportunities for Montlake residents to become involved in the survey, inventory, and nomination process.

Please note that National Register listing places no obligations on private property owners. There are no restrictions on the use, treatment, transfer, or disposition of private property as a result of listing on the National Register.

• National Register listing does not lead to public acquisition or require public access.
• An individual property will not be listed if the owner objects, or for districts, if a majority of property owners object.
• National Register listing does not automatically invoke local historic district zoning or local landmark designation.

Why is WSDOT undertaking this effort?

WSDOT is conducting this work as a mitigation commitment for the SR 520, I-5 to Medina: Bridge Replacement and HOV Project, as requested by the Montlake Community Club. WSDOT has been coordinating with the Montlake Community Club and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), and has retained historic preservation consultants Connie Walker Gray and Mimi Sheridan to conduct the work. The Montlake Community Club has already undertaken a tremendous volunteer effort towards this project: mapping out potential district boundaries, gathering history on the neighborhood, and conducting property-specific research on more than 1,000 buildings in the district.

It is well known that the Montlake community has a rich history and an eclectic collection of architecture styles. From mansions to small bungalows, Montlake homes include a variety of styles including Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Ranch. Many areas emulate architectural styles as varied as the personalities of their owners.

 Need more information?

We hope to see you on Jan. 16! In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Steve Archer, WSDOT (archers@wsdot.wa.gov). Also, the National Park Service website has more specific information on what it means to be listed in the National Register: http://www.nps.gov/nr/national_register_fundamentals.htm .