Celebrating its 14th year, Historic Seattle’s annual Bungalow Fair is a weekend-long event that includes the exhibit and sale of antique and reproduction wares, along with educational lectures on the Arts & Crafts Movement. Lectures will include Five Outrageous Women of the Arts & Crafts Movement presented by Anne Stewart O’Donnell. NEW THIS YEAR: talk with the experts at the evaluation and appraisal booth for collectables – furniture, metal, ceramics, textiles, books and ephemera. The fair also features walking tours of Craftsman Bungalows in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle, but spaces fill up quickly so register soon. For ticket information and a list of this year’s exhibitors, visit the fair’s website by clicking on the image above.

Image courtesy of Historic Seattle

Historic Seattle Preservation Awards
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 5:30pm – 8pm
Talaris Conference Center, 4000 NE 41st Street, Seattle
Join Historic Seattle in celebrating outstanding achievements in preservation at their 3rd Annual Awards ceremony at Talaris Conference Center in the U District. This year, they acknowledge the stewardship that has preserved an elegant campus of Northwest Modern buildings–integrated pavilions by Naramore, Bain, Brady & Johanson (NBBJ) set into a harmonious landscaped park designed by Richard Haag Associates for the Battelle Memorial Institute during the years 1966 to 1970. Formal program begins at 6:45 pm and ticket prices start at $50 for members. Visit www.historicseattle.org for more information and to register.

RevitalizeWA Conference
Wednesday – Friday, May 11-13th, 2011
Marcus Whitman Hotel, 6 West Rose Street, Walla Walla
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Washington State Main Street Program will host “RevitalizeWA, the Washington State Main Street and Preservation Conference,” at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center in Walla Walla on May 11-13, 2011. This two-day conference will feature a variety of sessions relating to the revitalization of historic downtowns. Conference overview, schedule, and online registration is available through www.brownpapertickets.com/event/165934.

Stamets HABS/HAER Photography of the Pacific Northwest
May 2011 (Special talk May 18th!)
Gallery 4Culture, 101 Prefontaine Place S., Seattle
Gallery4Culture is celebrating National Preservation Month with an exhibition by photographer John Stamets. A select group of Stamets’ black and white photography, taken as part of his work with Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) programs of the National Parks Service, will be on exhibit through the month of May. Stamets will also give a special public presentation on his exhibit at 4Culture the evening of May 18th, so check back for updates.

Union Station 100th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, May 20, 2011, 2pm – 7pm
Join The Alliance for Pioneer Square and Sound Transit as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Union Station and the launch of “Trail to Treasure,” a historic interpretive trail through Pioneer Square. The celebration will feature walking tours, information about planning efforts affecting the neighborhood, a live brass band and model train exhibit. For more information visit www.soundtransit.org/UnionStation100.

View from Below: Metro Tunnel Revisited
Sunday, May 22, 2011, 9am – 12pm
Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park Auditorium, 168 S. Jackson Street, Seattle
When the Metro bus tunnel opened in 1989, this progressive public works project represented the largest collaboration of engineers, architects, and artists in Seattle’s history–a marvel of design and construction. Join Phil Jacobson, Mark Spitzer, and Jack Mackie (leaders of the original design team), as they explain how each station was developed with a combination of materials, forms and artwork which relate to its location. To register or for more information visit www.historicseattle.org/events.

Advocates for the preservation of the venerable old Alki Homestead / Fir Lodge were encouraged by a fresh new direction for the project, made public on Friday.

Alloy Design Group, newest member of the building owner’s project team, gave a briefing to the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board’s Architectural Review Committee.  The presentation outlined broad concepts for restoring the original log structure, retaining the existing parking and landscaped open space, removing 1960s and ‘80s additions, and adding a new commercial kitchen to the rear (west side) of the building.

The future of the property has been precarious since the building was damaged by fire and the restaurant closed two years ago.  In November of 2009, the owner announced his intentions to essentially redevelop the site, infilling the open space with a multi-storied inn, and constructing a new restaurant and banquet facility using some of the Homestead’s logs to suggest the character of the 1904 landmark structure.

Preservationists from around the city voiced their concern, pointing out that creating a log replica was not the same as preserving the real Alki Homestead.  This past Fourth of July, nearly 200 supporters gathered in front of the building with buttons and banners proclaiming “This Place Matters.” Sponsored by a coalition that includes the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Historic Seattle, 4Culture and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, the mass photo shoot brought wide attention to the issue and opened up a dialogue about the meaning that special places have in our lives.   That very day, the property was offered up for sale, and over the summer and fall Historic Seattle worked in partnership with some private investors to negotiate a purchase.

Although they were unable to strike a deal, something has inspired the owner to reconsider his approach to the property.  Fans of the Homestead will be encouraged to learn that the owner’s project team have dropped their intention to demolish and replicate, and have now expressed their commitment to preserving and restoring.  There will be more clarity on what “preservation” entails in the months to come, but for now, things look pretty hopeful for this beloved old Alki landmark.

Image: This Place Matters, Alki Homestead poster © 2010, photo by Jean Sherrard.

Thanks to all those who helped make this event such a memorable one! Over 200 people gathered in front of the Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge in West Seattle on July 4th to support the “This Place Matters” campaign. Co-sponsors included the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Historic Seattle, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and 4Culture. Although the photo shoot is over, the effort to preserve the Homestead just beginning! For updates and announcements, or to get involved, visit the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s blog.

Image: © 2010, Courtesy of Jean Sherrard

In Residence: How to Research a Building
Saturday, May 15, 2010, 9:30am-4:30pm
Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle
A MOHAI Nearby History Workshop, this full day class is presented in partnership with Historic Seattle. Local experts will introduce the skills needed to discover and document the history of your own home and/or neighborhood. Find out how to dig up architectural permits and plans, recognize original structural elements, and identify the personalities who gave your home its unique character. Cost is $45/55 day of event, pre-registration is closed. Additional Info: visit www.historicseattle.org.

Heritage Series: Colman Cold Case
Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 7:00pm
Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Avenue SE, Bellevue
Learn about life on Lake Washington in the late 19th century, as seen through the eyes of Clarissa Colman, and hear the intrigue & mystery surrounding the murder of her husband, James Manning Colman. Presented by the Eastside Heritage Center, in partnership with Bellevue Parks and Community Services. Additional Info: visit www.eastsideheritagecenter.org.

“Modern Views, A Conversation on Northwest Modern Architecture” documentary film.
Thursday, May 20, 2010, 6:30 pm
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), 2700 24th Ave E, Seattle
The film focuses on the work of Ralph Anderson, Fred Bassetti, Arne Bystrom, Wendell Lovett, and Gene Zema. Made by studio/216, the film was produced by the University of Washington Department of Architecture. Tickets: visit Brown Paper Tickets.

2010 Annual Spellman Awards
Friday, May 21, 2010, 10am
Carol Edwards Center at Woodinville City Hall, 17401 133rd Avenue NE, Woodinville
King County Executive Dow Constantine will present the annual John D. Spellman Awards for achievement in historic preservation. Sponsered by the Woodinville Heritage Society, and hosted by the King County Historic Preservation Program, the event will celebrate 30 years of landmark protection in King County and will honor several organizations, projects and individuals. Additional Info: contact Doug Eglington at doug...@kingcounty.gov.

Poetry Reading and Book Signing with Paul Nelson
Friday, May 21, 2010, 7:30pm-9:00pm
White River Valley Museum, Auburn
In A Time Before Slaughter, poet Paul Nelson explores Auburn’s history in verse, creating a masterpiece in the spirit of classic collages of place penned by American modernists. Admission is free with the purchase of regular Museum admission. Additional Info: visit http://www.wrvmuseum.org/events.htm.

Rohrer House Tour
Saturday, May 22, 2010, 1:00pm-3:00pm.
122 37th Ave E, Seattle
Join Docomomo WEWA for an afternoon at this charming house in Seattle’s Denny-Blaine neighborhood. Designed by John Rohrer, UW Architecture faculty member, this small, yet clever residence was completed in 1949. It is an early example of Northwest Regional Modernism with characteristics that quickly became typical of the style of the mid-twentieth century. Cost: $5 at the door, and no reservations required. Additional Info: http://www.docomomo-wewa.org/.

Best Practices for Digital Collections Management and E-Commerce: Images, Archives and Other Media
Saturday, May 22, 2010, 1:00pm-4:00pm
State Capital Museum and Outreach Center, Olympia
Get your digital images organized. Learn helpful ways to scan and organize family photos, plus tips for storage and organizing on home computers for easy access and searching. Fred Poyner will also demonstrate how the public can access and use the Washington State Historical Society’s rich and diverse online collections, including ordering images. Additional Info: contact Mark Vessey at mves...@wshs.wa.gov or call 360-586-0219.

ACKHO General Meeting @ Washington Hall
Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 9:30am
Washington Hall, 153 14th Avenue, Seattle
Historic Seattle’s purchase of Washington Hall in 2009 gives the century-old building an opportunity to continue to play a significant role in the arts and heritage community for a second century. Tour the building and learn about HS’s efforts to upgrade the facility for cultural uses. Additional Info: visit www.historicseattle.org or call 206-622-6952.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier presentation
Saturday, May 29th, 2010, 1:00pm
Black Diamond Museum, 32627 Railroad Avenue, Black Diamond

“Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Honor and Remember” is a presentation by Keith Watson focusing on the dedication and care that is bestowed at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” by the Honor Guard in the Arlington National Cemetery, and the care for fallen Hero’s at Kent’s Tahoma National Cemetery. Additional Info: call 360-886-2142 or e-mail blac...@comcast.net.

Northwest Folklife Festival
Memorial Weekend, May 28-31
Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
Northwest Folklife creates opportunities for individuals and communities of the Pacific Northwest to celebrate, share and sustain the vitality of folk, ethnic and traditional arts for present and future generations. Addmission to the festival is free, with suggested donations of $10/day or $20/family. Additional Info: visit www.nwfolklife.org.

Washington Hall House Party
May 1 – 2, 2010

What’s one hundred and two years old, rejuvenated and set to embark on its next decades of service to the Central District and Squire Park neighborhoods and to artists and arts organizations seeking venues for presenting their work?  Well, of course it’s Washington Hall, the 1908 Danish Brotherhood Lodge 29, built originally as a settlement house and gathering place for Danish immigrants.  Many of you know Washington Hall as the first home of On the Boards, the region’s premier contemporary performance presenter, which occupied the Hall from 1978 to 1998, when it moved to Behnke Center for Contemporary Performance in lower Queen Anne.

After On the Boards vacated the building, Washington Hall began a slow decline, never finding a stable long-term tenant who could generate sufficient income for the building’s owners to adequately maintain the aging structure.   In 2006, Washington Hall faced the wrecking ball.  A commercial real estate developer made an offer to buy the building for the value of its land, planning to demolish the Hall to make way for new condominiums. Out with the old, in with the new?  Not this time!   Historic Seattle and 4Culture, with encouragement from Stephanie Ellis Smith, then Director of CD Forum, approached the building’s owners, the Sons of Haiti, an African American fraternal lodge, with a plan to save the building.  Our community is fortunate to have a dedicated preservation organization with the experience, skill, vision and courage to take on a project as potentially perilous as saving Washington Hall.  Kudos to Historic Seattle.

Washington Hall pulses with history.  Now we invite you to celebrate its rebirth.  On May 1st and 2nd, after many months of advocacy, planning and building stabilization – 4Culture and Historic Seattle are delighted to invite you to a FREE community celebration and grand re-opening for Washington Hall.  The two-day party will bring together Seattle’s arts, preservation and heritage communities. This beloved community center will once again be filled with music, dance and theater from a diverse array of artists.  Stop by and see Washington Hall in action.

Bring cash for Dante’s Inferno hotdogs and veggie sausages, cheap brews/wine and your very own Washington Hall t-shirt and poster.

Read a preview in the Seattle Times, “Washington Hall, Seattle’s cultural Ellis Island, reopens with a house party

Join us!

Saturday May 1, 7-11PM:

7 pm – The hall opens with a jazz set featuring local legend Hadley Caliman and his jazz quintet

8 pm – A showcase of local dance, theater and music
• Lori Larsen
• Black Stax
• Richard Svensson
• Dayna Hanson with Dave Proscia, Paul Moore and Maggie Brown, and special guest Shannon Stewart
• Jim Kent, Mark Haim & Ben Maestas
• Cristina Orbé

9:30PM – Hidmo Entertainment Presents: Live @ Washington Hall, a collaborative jam featuring Central District all-stars:
• Audio Couture
• Sukutai (Zimbabwean drum & dance)
• Laura “Piece” Kelly
• Yirim Seck
• JusMoni
• Brothers from Another

Emcee, Felicia Loud
House DJ, Vitamin D

Sunday, May 2nd, 1 – 4PM
Fun for the whole family, music, storytelling, heritage activities and dancing with:
• Alley Oop
• Savoy Swing
• Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio
• Kibibi Monié (Nu Black Arts West Theatre)
• Jimmy and Grace Holden

The Washington hall House Party is presented by Historic Seattle & 4Culture, in association with Hidmo Entertainment

Lead support provided by
KeyBank, The Boeing Company, RAFN Company

Additional support from provided by
SMR Architects and Coughlin Porter Lundeen

Historic Seattle and 4Culture thank our in-kind supporters for the Washington Hall House Party
KBCS 91.3FM Community Radio, The Stranger, Georgetown Brewing Company, Caffé Vita, Jackstraw, J&J Music, The Nordic Heritage Museum, KidsQwest, and many many volunteers!

Historic Seattle’s annual landmark nomination workshop will take place on October 24, 2009, from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Attendees will learn the nuts and bolts of preparing a landmark nomination and the ins and outs of the process for designating landmarks. To register or for more information, call 206-622-6952 or visit Historic Seattle’s website.

Want to help preserve it? Historic Seattle and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation are co-sponsering a half-day workshop focused on the preservation of religious buildings at the Seattle Church of Christ on September 12 (Saturday) 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Noted author and Executive Director of Partners for Sacred Places, A. Robert Jaeger is the guest speaker and will provide an overview on the architecture, social and cultural value of historic churches. Michael Houser, architectural historian at the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, will provide a slide presentation on the area’s historic churches and a moderated question and answer session will follow. For more information visit Historic Seattle.

Treasured venue that hosted young Jimi Hendrix & Billie Holiday will be transformed into nonprofit performing arts center.

4Culture is thrilled to announce Historic Seattle’s purchase of the recently-designated Seattle Landmark Washington Hall in Seattle’s Central District for $1,500,000. The deal closed on Friday, June 12, 2009. Historic Seattle, a Preservation & Development Authority, purchased the building from the Sons of Haiti Masonic Lodge with the intention of preserving the treasured hall for cultural use. Following upgrades this summer, the facility will be available as early as September 2009 as a rehearsal, performance and event space for arts, cultural, and social groups.

The building was purchased with $250,000 from Historic Seattle, $250,000 from 4Culture, (King County Lodging Tax), and a loan from Key Bank.

Located at 153 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, in Seattle’s Central District, Washington Hall, was built in 1908 as a settlement house and meeting/dance hall by the Danish Brotherhood Society. Purchased in 1973 by the Sons of Haiti Masonic Lodge, the facility has hosted hundreds of community events over the decades, including legendary musicians Billie Holiday and Jimi Hendrix. Other notable performers like Marian Anderson, Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington and Count Basie are also said to have played in the hall. Likewise, W.E.B. du Bois, Joe Louis, and Martin Luther King Jr. are reported to have spoken there. On the Boards, a non-profit arts organization, leased the auditorium from 1978-1998 to present local, national and international contemporary performances in the facility, like the early work of Spalding Grey, Meredith Monk, Mark Morris and many others.

Over the last several decades, the building had fallen into extreme disrepair and upgrades were beyond the financial capacity of the Sons of Haiti. The building was put on the market in 2007. 4Culture staff nominated the building for City of Seattle Landmark status, which it received in January 2009.

image: © Courtesy of 4Culture