ANACORTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD

For more info contact: Steve Oakley, Anacortes Museum Director, 360-293-1915 or
e-mail coa.museum@cityofanacortes.org

The five-member volunteer Historic Preservation Board is appointed by the Mayor and meets every 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM, in the City Hall council chambers. Its members, like many Anacortes residents, believe that our old buildings and homes are among our city’s most valuable assets.

The major responsibility of the Board is to identify and encourage the conservation of the City of Anacortes’ historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties. The Board also works to raise community awareness of Anacortes’ historic resources and serves as the city’s primary resource in matters of historic planning and preservation.

PROJECTS/PROGRAMS 1999-2005

1. Preservation Education Talks included: Livable Communities, Craftsman Homes, Main Street Program, Conducting an Historic Resources Survey
2. Cap Sante Amphitheater clean-up project
3. Causland Memorial Park Preservation project – fund-raising and preservation/restoration consultation
4. Participation in National Historic Preservation Week activities
5. Cap Sante Neighborhood Historic Inventory project
6. Apex Fish Company Warehouse project
7. Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Anacortes... see brochure

ANACORTES HISTORICAL REGISTER

What is the Anacortes Historical Register?
The historical register is an official list of buildings, structures, objects, or sites that were instrumental in the history of Anacortes and are worthy of recognition and preservation.

What qualifies a property for the Register?
The historical register recognizes properties that are 50 years old. Some properties may be considered if they are less than 50 years old if they possess exceptional importance and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Historical Event
  The property is associated with an event that made a significant contribution to local, state or national history.
• Architectural Importance
  The property is an example of architecture of an earlier period in which the style, type, method of construction is unique to that period.
• Historically Important Person
  The property is associated with the life of a person significant to local, state or national history.
• Archaeologically Important
  The site may, or may likely, contain archaeological information important in prehistory.
• Historically Important Site
  The property is a documented site or event or place, such as a cemetery, which contains people or features of historical significance.
• A Renovated Historical Building
  The property is a reconstructed building that has been executed in a historically accurate manner on the origin site.
• A Unique Design
  The building does not fit into formal architecture historical categories but exhibits a creative, unique example of folk architecture or design created by persons not formally trained in architecture.

How is a property designated to the Anacortes Historic Register?

1. Applicant submits an application form to the Anacortes Historic Preservation Board in care of the Anacortes Museum.
2. Board members do an on-site review of the property.
3. Staff reviews the application.
4. Board members will set a public hearing date and notify the applicant, owner, and contiguous property owners of the public hearing.
5. The Anacortes Historic Preservation Board conducts a public hearing and makes determination of the property’s eligibility.
6. Staff secures the owner’s permission for placement and forwards the recommendation to the Anacortes City Council.

The City Council officially designates the property to the Anacortes Register of Historic Places.

1. What are the effects of Historical Register placement to the property owner.Placement on the register officially recognizes the historical importance of the property and forwards research that will be recorded so future generations may appreciate its significance.
2. Placement on the register may allow the owner a possible property tax advantage as provided by current state laws.
3. Placement on the register DOES NOT affect future uses of the property. The owner may choose other uses for the property inconsistent with its historical designation. The owner may remove the property from the register.
   
   Where can applications and more information be obtained?
   Contact the Anacortes Museum, 1305 8th St., Anacortes WA 98221. Phone: 360-293-1915. E-mail: coa.museum@cityofanacortes.org
   
   The Anacortes Museum Research Library includes historic preservation materials. Open Monday, Thursday and Friday 1-5 PM or by appointment.

Copyright 2004 - City of Anacortes - All Rights Reserved
Email coa.webmaster@cityofanacortes.org with suggestions or comments.
Last Updated: June 29, 2007