HomeMy WebLinkAbout03242006 Historic Preservation Packet
Seward Historic Preservation Commission
March 24, 2006
Special Meeting
12:00 noon
City Council Chambers
Shannon Kovac
Chair
Term Expires 05/07
Tom Swann
Vice-Chair
Term Expires 05/07
Michaela Walker-Hettinger
Commissioner
Term Expires 05/08
Greg Carpenter
Commissioner
Term Expires 5/06
James Rowell
Commissioner
Term Expires 05/08
Valerie Park
Commissioner
Term Expires 05/06
Shannon Huber
Commissioner
Term Expires 5/06
6.
Clark Corbridge
City Manager
Malcolm Brown
Planner
Donna Glenz
Planning Assistant
1.
Call to Order
2.
Opening Ceremony
A. Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
4.
Special Reports
A. City Administration Report
5.
Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for
Public Hearing and Other Items Not Included on the
Agenda. [Those who have signed in will be given the first
opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 2 minutes per
speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item]
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of
Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk
(*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately
unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event of such a
request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.)
Historic Preservation Commission
March 24,2006
Special Meeting Agenda
Page 1
7. Public Hearings [Limit comments to 5 minutes. Those who have signed in will be given the
first opportunity to speak] None
8. Unfmished Business - None
9. New Business
A. Resolution 2006-04 approving the forwarding of the Hoben Park National Register of
Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and
action............. ............... ............ .... ............ ............ .... ............ ........ .......... ........ Page 3
10. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) None
11. Commission Comments
12. Citizens' Comments [Limit to 5 minutes per individual - Each individual has one
opportunity to speak]
13. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
14. Adjournment
Historic Preservation Commission
March 24, 2006
Special Meeting Agenda
Page 2
Sponsored by: Staff
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2006-04
Resolution 2006-04 approving the forwarding of the Hoben Park National
Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission
for review and action
WHEREAS, throughout its ::I: 80 year history the park located at 401 Railway Avenue
has been referred to by many different names including: Hoben Park, Arcade Park, Nile Park and
Ladies Park; and
WHEREAS, by Seward City Council Resolution 1995-044 the park was officially
named Hoben Park, in recognition of Seward former businessman and mayor Hedley "Harry" V.
Hoben; and
WHEREAS, oral and written history documents that Hedley "Harry" V. Hoben, was
responsible for the park's existence by providing for the construction and maintenance of the lot;
and
WHEREAS, the park has been identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic
Places; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Historical Commission will review the National Register of
Historic Places Nomination for Hoben Park at its Spring 2006 meeting, on March 30 and 31,
2006.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Historic Preservation
Commission that:
Section 1. The Commission hereby approves the forwarding of the Hoben Park
National Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review
and action.
Section 2.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
3
Seward Historic Preservation Commission
Resolution 2006-04
Page 2
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission this 24th
day of March 2006.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Tom Swann, Vice-Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
Lj
Historic Preservation Agenda Statement
Meeting Date:
March 24, 2006
To:
Historic Preservation Commission
Malcolm Brown, Planner r<<.4-~
Donna Glenz, Planning Assistant
Through:
From:
Agenda Item:
Approving the forwarding of the Hoben Park National Register of Historic
Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and
action
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
For a number of years the Seward Historic Preservation Commission has worked to nominate Hoben
Park to the National Register of Historic Places. More recently the Commission, the State of Alaska
Office of History and Archaeology, and Staff have worked together to complete the Hoben Park
National Register of Historic Places Nomination form.
The completed nomination form has been presented to the Commission to review and approve for
submittal to the Alaska Historical Commission for their review and action. The Alaska Historical
Commission is scheduled to convene on March 30 and 31, 2006 and the Hoben Park National
Register of Historic Places Nomination form is on their agenda for review and action.
Following the review and recommendation of the Alaska Historical Commission the nomination
form will be forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C. for review and,
hopefully, listing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 2006-04, forwarding the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places
Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and action.
~
6
OMB No. 1024-0018
NPS Form 10-900
(Rev. 10-90)
United states Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
REGISTRATION FORM
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for
individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete
the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National
Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the
appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does
not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not
applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and
areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the
instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation
sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer,
to complete all items.
===========================================================================
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1. Name of Property
historic name Hoben Park
other names/site number Arcade Park, Nile Park, Ladies Park
AHRS Site No. SEW-00662
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2. Location
street & number 401 Railway Avenue
not for publication n/a
city or town Seward vicinity n/a
state Alaska code AK county Kenai Peninsula code 122
zip code 99664
~
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration For.m
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 2
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3. State/Federal Agency Certification
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As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of
1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination request
for deter.mination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for
registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and
meets the procedural and professiona1 requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part
60. In my opinion, the property X meets does not meet the National
Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered
significant nationally statewide X locally. ( See
continuation sheet for additional comment~
Signature of certifying official
Date
Alaska
State or Federal agency and bureau
===========================================================================
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National
Register criteria. ( ___ See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of commenting or other official
Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
========================================================================--==
4. National Park Service Certification
===========================================================================
I, hereby certify that this property is:
entered in the National Register
See continuation sheet.
determined eligible for the
National Register
See continuation sheet.
determined not eligible for the
National Register
removed from the National Register
other (explain):
Signature of Keeper Date
of Action
1
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 3
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5. Classification
Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply)
private
X public-local
public-State
public-Federal
Category of Property (Check only one box)
building(s)
district
X site
structure
object
Number of Resources within Property
1
Noncontributing
buildings
sites
structures
objects
o Total
Contributing
1
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National
Register n/a
Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not
part of a multiple property listing.) n/a
f
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 4
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6. Function or Use
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Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
Cat: landscape Sub: park
Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
Cat: landscape Sub: park
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7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions)
n/a
===========================================================================
Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
foundation n/a
roof n/a
walls--n7a
other n/a
Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the
property on one or more continuation sheets.)
Hoben Park is a small tract of land in downtown Seward owned by the city.
Resurrection Bay and a sidewalk are to the south. The Alaska SeaLife
Center is to the west, Railway Avenue is to the north, and the old Alaska
Railroad depot (listed in the National Register, July 16, 1987) is to the
east. The south side of the park is 240 feet long, the north side is 218
feet long, the east side is 45 feet long, and the west side is 50 feet
long.
The park, created in 1923, had a decorative wrought iron and concrete fence
on the north and west sides, with a concrete pedestal at each corner. The
northeast corner had a tall, tapered concrete column. This column had a
hanging lamp at the top and a ball-shaped finial. The north wall had a
gated opening with a step leading down to the park. The east side of the
park had a wire fence with a wood trellis and the south side had a wire
fence along with a hedge and lilac bushes. A circular pool originally had
a bowl shaped fountain, which was replaced with a pedestal fountain in the
early 1930s. Large concrete flower planters, benches, and several
birdhouses were in the park. It had rose bushes and a well-manicured lawn.
A poplar tree, original to the park, has matured and is near the middle of
the park's south boundary.
Today the west side has the original concrete wall and pedestals. The iron
fence has been removed. A poured concrete wall similar to the original has
replaced the north wall. The current north wall is six feet south of the
original. The concrete column at the northeast corner has been removed.
In place of the gated opening and step is an opening flanked by pedestals.
The wire fences have been removed. The old railroad depot is to the east
q
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 5
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where it has stood since 1928. There is a sidewalk on the south side of
the park. The park has several trees and bushes.
The city of
appearance.
wall on top
poplar tree
fountain.
Seward has started restoring the park to its historic
Three fluted lampposts have been installed along the north
of the concrete pedestals. The ground has been leveled and the
has been manicured. Plans include installing a replica
10
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 6
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8. Statement of Significance
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Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for
the criteria qual~fying~he property for National Register listing)
x
A
Property is associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history.
Property is associated with the lives of persons significant
in our past.
Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period, or method of construction or represents the work of
a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a
significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction.
Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information
important in prehistory or history.
B
C
D
Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) n/a
A owned by a religious institution or used for religious
purposes.
B removed from its original location.
C a birthplace or a grave.
D a cemetery.
E a reconstructed buildingl object, or structure.
F a commemorative property.
G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within
the past 50 years.
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)
landscape architecture
Period of Significance
1923-1948
Significant Dates
1923
Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) n/a
Cultural Affiliation n/a
Architect/Builder n/a
/1
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 7
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Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the
property on one or more continuation sheets.)
Hoben Park is important forlts association with the City of Seward's
promotion of itself as the "Gateway to Alaska" to attract visitors to the
town. The City of Seward completed the park in time for President Warren
G. Harding's visit on July 13, 1923. Harding was the first U.S. President
to visit Alaska. He came to drive in the golden spike signaling completion
of the 470 mile government-built Alaska Railroad that connected the year-
round ice free port at Seward and the interior hub-city of Fairbanks.
Seward residents expected the railroad to bring more visitors to their
town. The park was located by the main dock and near the railroad depot to
be enjoyed by travelers arriving by train or by sea. The period of
significance starts with the park's creation in 1923 and ends when Harry V.
Hoben, for whom the park is now named, died in 1948 and regular maintenance
of the park ceased for a period of years.
Historic background
In 1923 the Seward City Council discussed downtown beautification projects.
They were considering two parcels of government owned land near the dock
"to make an ornamental park area so visitors would find a pleasant scene
when arriving by ship or train" (Seward Gateway, 1923,16). Businessmen
Harry V. Hoben and Ai Davis, who owned Alaska Transfer Company, leased the
land to the east of the city's main dock. The land was leveled, lawn and
trees planted, and a fountain installed in April 1923. The park, initially
called Arcade Park, was completed in time for President Warren G. Harding's
arrival in Seward on July 13, 1923. Harding was the first U.S. President
to visit Alaska. While in Seward, Harding walked around town and chatted
with residents.
The park is named for Harry V. Hoben (1873-1948), a prominent Seward
resident. Hoben was mayor of Seward from 1918-1919. He ran the Seward
Water System from 1915-1947 and owned the Seward Gateway, the local
newspaper and printing press from 1917 until 1941 when fire destroyed his
Arcade Building. He had other business interests including the Alaska
Transfer Company. Hoben lived and had his offices in the Arcade Building,
located directly across the street from the park. Hoben was a member of
the Chamber of Commerce, a Mason, an advocate for public safety, a
landowner and philanthropist. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman,
managing the champion Seward baseball team beginning in 1915. He became
president of the Seward Baseball Association in 1924. Hoben oversaw
maintenance of the park from 1923 until his death in 1948. He had his
maintenance men from the Arcade Building keep up the park.
Over the years, Hoben Park has been known by several names. It was called
Arcade Park from 1923 to 1924. When it was known as Nile Park, perhaps due
to Hoben's involvement with the Masons whose meeting place was Nile Temple
at Sixth and Adams Streets, it "presented a pastoral appearance, with the
grass mowed and lambs gamboling about the lawn" from 1925 to 1927 (Barry,
vol. 2, p. 5). During this time the concrete walls and iron fence were
f~
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration For.m
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 8
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installed. From 1928 into the 1950s it was known as Hoben Park. In the
late 1950s, the park became known as Ladies Park, which might have
originated with the Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Church, or might
ha~ebeen inspired by th~ Ladies Outing Club. In 1995, the Seward City
Council officially named the site Hoben Park.
After Hoben's death in 1948, the park changed. At various times it had a
basketball court, a dogsled monument and an Iditarod Trail sled dog race
monument. These have been removed. Community residents are interested in
restoring the park to its historic appearance and preserving the
community's history as developments around the park have increased tourism
in the last decade. The City of Seward has started rehabilitation work.
o
. ,
I
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 9
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9. Major Bibliographical References
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form.)
"Arcade Building One of the Most Modern and Commodious Structures Ever
Built in the Territory." Seward Gateway, December 5, 1925: 16.
Barry, Mary J. Seward, Alaska: A History of the Gateway City. 3 volumes.
Seward, Alaska: M J P Barry, 1993, 1995.
Mobley, Charles M. Historic Architecture Survey of the Waterfront, Seward,
Alaska, for the Proposed Institute of Marine Science Facility.
Anchorage, Alaska: Charles M. Mobley & Associates, 1994.
Wilson, William H. Railroad in the Clouds: The Alaska Railroad in the Age
of Steam, 1914-1945. Boulder, Colorado: Pruett Publishing Co., 1977.
Previous documentation on file (NPS) n/a
preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been
--- requested.
previously listed in the National Register
previously determined eligible by the National Register
designated a National Historic Landmark
recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #
recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
Primary Location of Additional Data
State Historic Preservation Office
Other State agency
Federal agency
Local government
University
X Other
Name of repository: Seward Public Library
14
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
. Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
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Page 10
10. Geographical Data
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Acreage n~f :E>rop~erty less than one
UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
1 06 364380 6664205 3
2 4
See continuation sheet.
Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property.)
Hoben Park is on Lot 2A, Waterfront Tracts 1998 Replat, a subdivision of
Lots 1 and 2 Waterfront Tracts, City of Seward. It is within the SW ~ of
Section 10, Township 1 South, Range 1 West, Seward Meridian. The park is
bounded by Railway Avenue to the north, the old Alaska Railroad Depot to
the east, Alaska SeaLife Center to the west, and a sidewalk to the south.
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected.)
Widening Railway Avenue and replacing the sidewalk and wall of the park
reduced the park from its original size by approximately six feet along its
north boundary. The west boundary is the original wall. The south boundary
is defined by a sidewalk placed beyond where the original fence stood. The
east boundary is its original boundary adjacent to the old railroad depot.
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11. Form Prepared By
===========================================================================
name/title Jessica M. Benson, Intern
organization Office of History and Archaeology
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
date March 15, 2006
street & number 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1310
telephone 907-269-8755
city or town Anchorage State AK
zip code 99501-3565
*assisted by Shannon Kovac, Chair, Seward Historic Preservation Commission,
City of Seward, P.O. Box 167, Seward, Alaska 99664-0167
/6
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Page 11
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Additional Documentation
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Submit the following items with the completed form:
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's
location.
A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large
acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
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Property Owner
(Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.)
name
city of Seward
street & number P.O. Box 167
telephone 907-224-4050
city or town Seward
state AK
zip code 99664-0167
fir
. USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 12
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Section photograph identification
===========================================================================
1. Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Lee Poleske
March 2006
P.O. Box 871, Seward, Alaska 99664-0871
Looking east
2. Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Lee Poleske
March 2006
P.O. Box 871, Seward, Alaska 99664-0871
Looking west today.
3. Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Photographer unknown
Circa 1930s
Resurrection Bay Historical Society (65.1.1), P.O. Box 55, Seward,
Alaska 99664-0055
Looking east over the west wall at park and old railroad depot
4. Hoben Park
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Photographer unknown
Circa 1930s
Resurrection Bay Historical Society (65.1.4), P.O. Box 55, Seward,
Alaska 99664-0055
Looking west at park
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