Regarding Bonnie J. Rough’s Nov. 10 op-ed, “How many lives is Gas Works structure worth?”: Suggesting that the only “solution” to save lives at Gas Works Park is the total removal of the character-defining pipes, stairs and catwalks attached to the industrial cracking towers ignores a thorough understanding of the problem and the possibility of a nuanced solution.
In fact, the Seattle Landmarks Board rejected a plan in October that would have completely removed ladders and other structures from the towers at Gas Works Park. We need a “both/and” resolution rather than an “either/or” fix. Pitting Seattle families, parks officials and preservationists against one another is neither productive nor fair.
I believe the community desires two primary outcomes: First, we don’t want kids climbing on the towers and hurting or killing themselves. Second, we want to preserve the landmark. As an architect who has served on the Seattle Landmarks Board for eight years (six as chair), I am familiar with the discussions that occur around these types of problems. Two relevant factors within the preservation ordinance to be considered when altering a landmark are: the extent to which the proposed alteration would adversely affect the specific characteristics of the landmark; and the reasonableness, or lack thereof, of the proposed alteration in light of other alternatives.
Several lines of inquiry stem from these factors. Would removal of the pipes, catwalks and stairs adversely impact the defining characteristics of the landmark? What alternatives has the Parks Department developed to solve the problem? What precedents have been employed in other situations? I can assure you this is not the first time designers have considered how to keep kids from climbing.
Removing the various elements attached to the towers would adversely impact the landmark. The remnants of our industrial past that wrap around the towers define the landmark no less than fire escapes and water towers help define the 19th-century historic structures of Pioneer Square.
In terms of precedent, fire escapes are the obvious example of a way to prevent climbing. Across the planet, fire escapes are typically located one or two floors above ground to prevent people from climbing. Could this work at Gas Works? Of course! Has the Parks Department proposed such a fix or any other alternatives? No.
Why not? I don’t know, but I suspect the answer lies within the subtext of Rough’s op-ed. She states, “Fifty years have passed. The aging towers are corroded, brittle, and falling apart.” Could it be that the Parks Department hasn’t invested in the maintenance of the landmark structures and deems it easier to remove the various appurtenances rather than properly maintain them? Could a win/win solution emerge that proposes to demolish the remnant industrial cladding within roughly 20 feet of the ground; restore the low-hanging elements so they cannot be climbed; repair and maintain the remaining towers and appurtenances; and even remove the barbed-wire fence that landscape architect Rich Haag, rightly, disdained? Yes.
I have little doubt that an earnest discussion between the community, parks and landmarks board can develop a workable alternative that resolves this issue while keeping the structure’s integrity and safety in mind.
A critical next step at Gas Works would be a Preservation Master Plan to guide long-term management and stewardship of the historic property. It would include a structural evaluation coupled with a security and use management plan to ensure public safety. The plan could also explore public-private partnerships and National Historic Landmark designation to help with funding.
Finally, rather than succumb to headlines like “How many lives is Gas Works Park structure worth?” and wait until historic resources are falling apart, let’s get out in front of these types of crises. Celebrate our good fortune with a Gas Works Music Festival, a Kite Carnival at Lake Union, Gas Works Gastronomy, or dozens of other opportunities to build public awareness, raise money and acknowledge this jewel that couples Seattle’s natural beauty with our industrial heritage. It’s what makes us a great city.
