HomeMy WebLinkAbout11072018 Historic Preservation Packet •
City of Seward
Historic Preservation Commission
Meeting
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November 7, 2018
1963 1965 2005 The City of Seward,Alaska
Wig HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1111 ir REGULAR MEETING AGENDA �"R}
November 7,2018 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers
Wolfgang Kurtz
Chair
Term Expires 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER
Cheryl Seese 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chair
Term Expires 2019
3. ROLL CALL
Fred Woelkers
Commissioner 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE
Term Expires 2021 ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING[Those who have
signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak Time is limited
Tanguy Libbrecht to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda
Commissioner item.]
Term Expires 2020
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA[Approval
Iris Darling of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*).
Commissioner Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council
Term Expires 2020 g p y
member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned
Cliff Krug to the Regular Agenda]
Commissioner
Term Expires 2020 6. SPECIAL REPORTS
A. Chair Report
Vacant B. Administration Report
Commissioner C. Committee Reports
Term Expires
Jeff Bridges
Interim City Manager
Brennan Hickok
Assistant City
Manager
Valarie Kingsland
Library Museum
Director
GeNeil Flaherty
Executive Liaison
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Agenda
November 7, 2018 Page 1
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June 5, 2018
Dear CLG Historic Preservation Commission Staff,
The Alaska State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)would like to share with you this
publication, Design Review With Limited Resources:How Local Commissions Can gain
the Resources of Professional Preservationists without Hiring Full-Time Staff.
This publication was authored by Robin Zeigler, a trainer liaison for the National Alliance
of Preservation Commission's (NAPC)Commission Assistance Mentoring Program
(CAMP) and historic zoning administrator for the Metro Historic Zoning Commission in
Nashville,TN. Produced in partnership with Middle Tennessee State University's Center
for Historic Preservation,the publication explores the variety of methods that
commissions without professional preservation staff use to conduct design review.
Design Review with Limited Resources is available to download at no cost through NAPC
website at https://napcommissions.org/technical-assistance/.
The guide came about after an educational session to brainstorm the future of staffless
commissions at FORUM 2016, in Mobile Alabama. For those of you attending FORUM
this July, in Des Moines, Zeigler will lead an educational session on this topic.
We hope you find this resource to be useful
Sincerely,
S.I.PV
Summer Louthan
Certified Local Government Coordinator
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Article 4. - Historic Preservation Commission
2.30.410. - Established.
(a) An historic preservation commission is hereby created, consisting of seven residents of the City of
Seward or surrounding areas, who shall be appointed by the council. If there is more than one
applicant for the position, the council shall appoint by ballot voting. Applicants must receive at least
four votes in order to be appointed. No officer or employee of the city may be appointed a member of
the commission.
(b) To the extent available in the community, three commission members shall be professionals, as
defined in Appendix A of 36CFR 61, from the disciplines of history, architecture or architectural
history and archaeology. If the commissioners are not professionals in the disciplines of history,
architecture or architectural history, and archaeology, then consultants in these disciplines will be
appointed as consultants to the historic preservation commission. Consultant appointments shall be
approved by the historic preservation commission and must be qualified under the standards defined
in Appendix A of 36 CFR 61.
(c) A chairman of the commission shall be selected annually by the appointed members.
(Ord. 94-04; Ord. 2000-13, § 3, 2000)
2.30.415.-Terms of office;filling vacancies.
(a) Members of the historic preservation commission shall be appointed for a term of three years,
provided that the terms of initial appointments shall be staggered so that as nearly as possible a pro
rata number of members shall be appointed for each year.
(b) The city council, may appoint any qualified person to fill a vacancy of any member of the board
provided that the appointment shall be for the unexpired term of the vacancy.
(c) Following a member's absence from three consecutive regular meetings of the commission, the
remaining commission members shall decide whether the commission member should be retained or
whether to request council appointment of a new member.
(Ord. 94-04; Ord. 2000-13, § 3, 2000)
2.30.420.- Meetings and quorum.
(a) The commission will meet at least twice each year at a time and place to be designated by the
commission.
(b) Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except
that, in the absence of a quorum, any number less than a quorum may adjourn the meeting to a later
date. The affirmative votes of at least a majority of those commission members present shall be
required for any action.
(c) All meetings and records of the commission shall be open to the public. The commission shall keep
minutes of proceedings showing the vote of each member upon each question and shall keep
records of any actions, all of which shall be Immediately filed in the office of the city clerk and shall
be a public record.
(Ord. 94-04)
2.30.425. -Powers and duties.
31b0
Chapter 15.15.-Historic Preservation
15.15.010.- Purpose.
Historic preservation is necessary to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general
welfare of the community by providing a mechanism to identify and preserve the distinctive historic and
architectural characteristics of Seward which represent elements of the city's cultural, social, economic,
political and architectural history.
(Ord. 95-10)
15.15.015. -Seward Register of Historic Places established.
(a) A Seward Register of Historic Places is hereby established to provide for public recognition of local
cultural resources worthy of preservation.
(b) Criteria for selection and placement on the register of historic places shall be set by resolution of the
historic preservation commission.
(c) The historic preservation commission shall recommend nominations to the register of historic places
to the city council.
(d) Nominations to the register of historic places shall be approved by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 95-10)
15.15.020.- Historic district established.
(a) The historic district of the city is established to define those areas of the city that meet state or
federal standards for historic districts or that otherwise have special historic significance that merits
additional consideration in land use regulation.
(b) The city council shall, by resolution, establish and define those areas to be included in the historic
district.
(c) Criteria for selection and placement on the list of historic districts within the city shall be set by
resolution of the city council.
(d) Upon designation, the historic district shall be classified as an Overlay District H - Historic District on
the official zoning map of the City of Seward.
(Ord. 95-10)
15.15.025-Seward Historic Plant and Tree Register established.
(a) A Seward Historic Plant and Tree Register is hereby established to provide for public recognition of
local plants and trees.
(b) Criteria for selection and placement on the Seward Historic Plant and Tree Register shall be set by
resolution of the Historic Preservation Commission.
(c) The Historic Preservation Commission shall recommend nominations to the Seward Historic Plant &
Tree Register to the City Council.
(d) Nominations to the Seward Historic Plant & Tree Register shall be subject to approval by resolution
of the City Council.
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SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Annual Staffed Meeting Schedule
City of Seward staff may administer and staff up to six meetings a year. Other staff will need to be arranged for
additional meetings. The suggested agenda items are in draft form and are flexible. Work sessions are scheduled as
needed and do not require staff.
REGULAR MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS
January • Approve minutes
• Review,discuss and approve annual Priority List and resolution
• Review,discuss, approve and plan first Biannual Report to Council
• Review, revise, set deadline, and approve notice to solicit HP Award nominations
• Schedule meetings/work sessions
February • Approve minutes
• Review and revise Seward's Day proclamation (last Monday in March)
• Discuss and plan for Historic Preservation Month in May
• Discuss Annual Certified Local Government(CLG) Report due in April
• Review, revise and update online Seward Historic Preservation information
• Schedule meetings/work sessions
March • Approve minutes
• Review and approve Annual Certified Local Government(CLG) Report due in April
• Review and discuss HP Award nominations and select recipient
• Review, discuss and approve National Historic Preservation Month Proclamation
• Plan for Hoben Park beautification
• Schedule meetings/work sessions
May • Approve minutes
• Review and approve HP Award resolution (proclamation in June)
• Review and revise Founder's Day proclamation (August 28)
• Begin discussing potential CLG Grant opportunities
• Schedule meetings/work sessions
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SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Annual Meeting Schedule
The Seward HP Commission must have at least two meetings a year per Article 4.2.30.420.a. Current City staff capacity
allows for staffing three meetings a year. The suggested agenda items are in draft form and are flexible.
Work sessions may be scheduled as needed and do not require staff.
KO MAR Mat'MCI _ U1'ED AGM"8611
Meeting 1 ® Approve minutes
February o Revise and approve Seward's Day proclamation (last
Monday in March)
G Discuss Annual Certified Local Government(CLG)
Report due in April
o Review and discuss HP Award nominations and select
recipient
o Review, discuss and approve National Historic
Preservation Month Proclamation for May
o Schedule work sessions
Meeting 2 o Approve minutes
AprIl o Review and approve HP Award resolution (Council
proclamation in May)
o Review and revise Founder's Day proclamation
(August 28)
o Discuss and update Local Historic Plants and Trees
inventory
o Discuss and update Seward Inventory of Historic Sites
inventory
o Schedule work sessions
Meeting 3 - 0 Approve minutes
October 0 Discuss and approve next year's Annual Priority List
and resolution
o Discuss and approve Annual Report to Council
o Review, revise,set deadline, and approve notice to
solicit HP Award nominations
o Schedule work sessions
Seward's Day—Last Monday in March
National Historic Preservation Month—May
Founder's Day—August 28
Updated 8/2/18
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission 2018
Priorities List
Public Outreach
• Coordination with Planning and Zoning-At least once a year,the Historic
Preservation Commission would like to meet with and coordinate activities and/or
projects with the Planning and Zoning Commission (1)
• Historic Preservation Web Presence- Further develop website content and
presentation to reflect Seward's Historical Resources (2)
• National Historic Preservation Month- Continue to participate and plan celebrations
for the recognition of H.P. Month. The scope of the activities will vary from year to
year (1)
a. The month of May is Historic Preservation Month
• Seward Annual Historic Preservation Award(1)
a. The Historic Preservation award may be given in May
b. Announce to the public the nominations the commission finds to be
deserving of consideration to be a recipient of the award. Nominations
should be received by mid-March
c. Update City plaque reflecting awardees as appropriate in timely manner(1)
• Local Historic Plants and Trees (2)
a. Inventory of Local Historic Plants and Trees
b. Request nominations from the Public
• The First Friday Fireside Historical Lecture Series (2)
a. Bi-yearly work session to brainstorm program ideas
• Cemetery Information Project(2)
a. Update Cemetery/Obituary Information on Seward Historic Preservation
website and Past Perfect Database in collaboration with Resurrection Bay
Historical Society
Historic Structures,Sites, &Vessels (1)
• Continue to update the Seward Inventory of Historic Sites
Continue to nominate Structures, Sites and Vessels to Seward Local Register
c Monitor the Historical Jesse Lee Home Project
• The Commission continues to support Historical Hoben Park's restoration and is
willing to assist with planting the planters
• Participate in city administration and community dialog concerning the
preservation of the Fort Raymond - Historical Site and related artifacts
• Actively coordinate with state and local stake holders in initiatives encouraging
preservation and regeneration of Seward Structures, Sites, Vessels and artifacts
of historical significance, including the creation of a resource template to utilize
the standardized historic preservation guidelines, to enhance and promote
beautification of the Seward area with special attention to the Historic Districts
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission 2019
Priorities List
---- �.
Public Outreach
• Coordinate efforts with Planning and Zoning regarding the identification and
protection of local historic and archaeological resources.
• Enhance understanding of the economic benefits of Heritage Tourism.
• Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month in May by proclamation.
• Award the Annual Seward Historic Preservation Award in May.
• Improve the Seward Historic Preservation Commission online presence.
Seward Historic Structures &Sites
• Review local projects and recommendations about the effect on properties
identified in the local historic preservation inventory.
• Update the Seward Inventory of Historic Sites of historic architectural,
archaeological and cultural resources according to the guidelines for the Alaska
Heritage Resources Survey.
• Annually update inventory data to the Offices of History and Archaeology.
• Continue to nominate structures and sites to Seward Local Register.
• Update Local Historic Plants and Trees Inventory.
• Support the historic Hoben Park and assist with planters.
• Monitor the historic Jesse Lee Home Project.
Seward Historic Preservation Plan (updated 2017)
• Promote economic incentives, historical preservation and education.
• Promote historic preservation initiatives and projects.
Other Commission Tasks
• Generate ideas and set priorities for future CLG grant applications
Approved by SHPC on
1
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning&Zoning Commission
Port& Commerce Advisory Board
Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
DATE: October 29,2018
RE: 2019 Report Schedule to City Council
On August 5, 2005, the Seward City Council approved Resolution 2005-071 to allow
future councils the option to either appoint council liaisons, or to have individuals from
each of the Boards and Commission give periodic reports to the City Council at their
regular meetings.
On October 22, 2018,the Seward City Council discussed the reporting schedule for 2019,
and directed the following:
Planning & Zoning Commission
• 1 Q 18—in person report at a council meeting
• 2Q18 — written report submitted to City Clerk for inclusion in the council
packet
• 3Q18—in person report at a council meeting
• 4Q18 — written report submitted to City Clerk for inclusion in the council
packet
Port& Commerce Advisory Board
• 1 Q18—in person report at a council meeting
• 2Q18 — written report submitted to City Clerk for inclusion in the council
packet
• 3Q18 in person report at a council meeting
• 4Q18 — written report submitted to City Clerk for inclusion in the council
packet
Historic Preservation Commission
• Annual report to council
In addition, Council Member Suzi Towsley was also appointed as a council liaison to the
Port & Commerce Advisory Board. Towsley will be attending PACAB meetings and
providing additional reports to council, separate from the reports provided by PACAB.
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Final, May 26, 2017
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
Table of Contents 5.7 WORLD WAR II(1940-1944) 17
5.8 GROwrH AND DIVERSIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL
1. INTRODUCTION 1 FISHERIES 18
5.9 FOLLOWING THE 1964 EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI -
2. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION RESURRECTION OF SEWARD 20
PLANNING 3 5.10 ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS 21
5.11 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS a DISASTERS 23
2.1 AUTHORITIES 3
2.2 SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 4 6. COMMUNITY RESOURCES 27
2.3 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN 4
6.1 LOCAL HISTORIC AND CULTURAL CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
3.THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN 5 27
6.2 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 31
3.1 DEFINING HISTORIC PRESERVATION 5
3.2 GOALS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION 6 7. PRESERVATION OPPORTUNITIES a CHALLENGES. 33
3.3 GOALS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION 6
7.1 OPPORTUNITIES 33
4. PLAN DEVELOPMENT METHOD B PUBLIC 7.2 CHALLENGES 33
INVOLVEMENT 9
8.AGENDA FOR FUTURE ACTION 35
4.1 PUBLIC FORUM 9
4.2 PUBLIC SURVEY 9 8.1 IMMEDIATE ACTION 35
4.3 PUBLIC REVIEW 9 8.2 LONG-TERM AMBITIONS 35
4.4 2017 PLAN DEVELOPMENT 10 8.3 TIMELINE FOR NEXT PLAN REVISION 35
5. COMMUNITY HISTORY AND CHARACTER 11 9.CONCLUSION 37
5.1 PHYSICAL SETTING AND GEOGRAPHY 11 10. REFERENCES 39
5.2.EARLY ALASKA NATIVE INFLUENCE 12
5.3 RUSSIAN AND EARLY SETTLEMENT ACTIvrrIEs 12 11. APPENDICES 41
5.4 EARLY DAYS OF SEWARD 13
5.5 IDITAROD NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL(1923) 14 12.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 96
5.6 WORLD WAR I(1914-1918),PROHIBITION(1920-1923),
GREAT DEPRESSION(1929-1939),RED LIGHT DISTRICT(1912
-1954) 15
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
1. Introduction The State Guidelines for the Alaska CL C Historic Preservation
Program are included in this plan as Appendix G.
In 1995, the City of Seward became a Certified Local The plan update was conducted under a Federal Historic
Government (CI.G) under the National Historic Preservation Preservation Fund matching grant.This grant was administered
Act administered by the Alaska Office of History and by the Alaska Office of History and Archeology and is intended
Archeology. The city established the Seward Historic for communities with CLG status.
Preservation Commission (SHPC) by Ordinance 95-10. The
Commission developed the first Seward Historic Preservation
Plan hi 1996, which was adopted by Seward City Council
Resolution 96-133.
The 2017 Plan is the first major
plan update.The SHPC initiated
the review and revision of the 1996
Historic Preservation Plan after
consultation isith the City Council -
and community to reflect the _ 4
changes in the community and - • •f 1
refocus and reenergize local Fir i
historic preservation activities.The 1 ip
Conu ission's intent is to use this R ���_� i;` �, I "'
it pla as a guide for their continued _
advocacy for historic and cultural l - _
preservation awareness and action
in the City of Seward. .yam •
•r.
•
AEIS 51.L7 Poneth Arena.1906
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
2. Scope and Purpose of Historic Upon annual review,these needs and goals have been reaffirmed.
The Office of History and Archaeology within the
Preservation Planning Alaska Department of Natural Resources, is completing an
update to the Alaska Historic Preservation Plan.The update will
Section 2 describes the origin of the SHPC and its role in the City assess what has been accomplished thus far, address current
of Seward. challeng
es, and identify ucw opportunities for preservation to
2.1 Authorities
guide Alaska through 2023.
The State and National Historic Preservation Acts focus on sites
As required by Certified Local Government(CLG) status,the eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.The
Seward Historic Preservation Plan(SHPP)must be compatible four criteria for the National Register have also been considered.
with the Alaska Historic Preservation Plan.In keeping with this These include buildings and sites:
mandate, the SHPP seeks to work within the six goals listed
below, framed by `Saving Our Past; Alaska's Historic 1. That are associated with events that have made a
Preservation Plan,2011-2017." significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history;
1. Foster respect and understanding of Alaska's
archaeological and historic resources, and promote a 2. That arc associated with the lives of significant persons
preservation ethic. in our past;
2. Continue existing partnerships and seek new ones to 3. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type,
expand and strengthen the historic period,or method of construction,or that represent the
p ngtl preservation
community, work of a master,or that possess high artistic values,or
that represent a significant and distinguishable entity
8. Expand efforts to identify, study, dtsignate, interpret, whose components may lack individual distinction;or
and protect or treat significant archaeological and historic
resources 4. That have yielded,or may be likely to yield,information
important in prehistory or history.
4. Encourage consideration of archaeological and historic
As these criteria serve as guidelines only,the City of Seward can resources in the planning and decision making processes
of the public and private sectors (and has)adopted its own criteria for designation of local historic
places and districts, or recommended such Borough or State
5. Promote historic preservation as an economic develop- designation.
ment tool,and provide incentives to encourage it.
6. Encourage appropriate treatment of historic resources.
3
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
3. The Historic Preservation Plan variety of activities. One is to
preserve the sites, structures,
Section 3 identifies the meaning of historic preservation and, buildings and objects - the real
more specifically, the role historic preservation has played in estate - of the past. Mother is
Seward. It also outlines the overarching goals of the Seward through the acquisition and
Historic Preservation Commission as refined through the preservation of a record of the past
Historic Preservation Plan update process. that encompasses programs
in oral history and moving
images along with books,
documents, and
photographs. Yet another
activity is to enhance
knowledge of the past
through research, ranging
from archaeological
•
....r excavations to archival
Pr' investigations, and
r} appreciation of the past
through interpretation and
• education. These written,
R5K55LU2 Scwad o.,at,.!m.rw oral, and material records
of times past are public wealth.
3.1 Defining Historic Preservation With care and attention, Alaska's
The introduction of the Alaska Historic Preservation Plan heritage can promote the general
addresses historic preservation as follows:
welfare of all of the State's people.
Alaska's historic preservation The historic preservation movement came to prominence in the
community seeks to record and United States in the 1960s and has since been used to revitalize
interpret human history through communities by bringing in tourism and economic success
the physical evidence of the past. through community investment(Brine.The SHPC recognizes
This is accomplished through a success in other prominent American cities and towns in
'S
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
3.3.1 Historic Districts
In 1984, a member of the City Council championed the
designation of historic districts after an owner attempted to '
remodel a historic building(the Brosius Noon Building,now the
Seaview Plaza building)with the intent of taking advantage of state I
and federal historic preservation grants. The alteration to the hi
—build' made it not
buildinglonger eligible for historic preservation •"•IA-
consideration. As a result of this incident, a City Council -r-r 1 '
resolution established the Downtown and Jesse Lee Home , •rt ii
Historic Districts.In 1988,the Downtown District was expanded I I J
to encompass a larger area. :., .•, ,K
The effort to create historic districts stemmed from individuals' ' r�
•� i L
efforts to have local properties added to the National Register of —
Historic Places. Ordinance No. 95-10 created a chapter I ligr; t
focused on historic preservation under Title 15,Planning and
Land Use Regulations of the Seward City Code.This chapter h r t Iy
includes provisions for a local historic r 1 I
egister, criteria for �7
eligibility, involvement of the Historic Preservation !,
Commission, and establishes historic district overlays. All ..units I r
9 alp
historic districts are classified as Overlay District H - Historic I'_11+,11 .
District on the city's official zoning maps. i•+Mk i
Accordingjicii
to the Seward Zoning —I I 1 ti
Code, a historic district is
defined as:
• .
n area containing bur gs or in which historic events �e .s+w..y...►•r.
A e
occurred or having special public value because of notsble I s":-t'1 '`..
architectural or other featrurs re ins'g to minim! or artistic `i - t .I i .
heritage of the community of such significance to warrant ;• ._,��:, qi7.
consenatian and City of Seward Zoning Map.
7
Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 His Cork Preservation Plan
4. Plan Development Method Ft which they would like to build businesses, raise children, and
leave historical plans for the future.Some information gathered
Public Involvement was incorporated throughout this plan and can be found within
Appendix II.
hi 2013,at the direction of the SHPC,Library Museum Director
Patricia Linville placed the SHPC application for a grant from the 4.2 Public Survey
Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of History and
Archeology to acquire funding for a historic plan update.This The SHPC reviewed a draft survey prepared by Nuka Research
funding, as described in the Scope of Work in the grant and submitted their comments. After being reviewed by the
application,was for a consulting firm to perform the bulk of the liaison from the City of Seward and the Library Museum
revisions. Nuka Research and Planning Group, LLC, Director,the survey was officially released on April 14,2014 and
headquartered in Seldovia,Alaska was awarded the contract_ closed for public comment on May 15,2014(see Appendix I for
The project began with an initial teleconference in October 2013 survey questions). In total,22 survey responses were received,
to review the project and the expectations of the commissioners which was considered sufficient by the project contractors.The
for the updated historic preservation plan.From this meeting,it results of this survey were incorporated into the subsequent
was discerned that the concept of what people value and what sections of this plan(sec Appendix J).
people remember about their community would be central to the
Commission's vision of their updated plan. 4.3 Public Review
4.1 Public Forum Nuka Research presented an outline of the revised plan to the
Commission in June 2014 and delivered a draft version us early
Through a series of meetings,the SHPC discussed plan goals, August.'Ihe contractor's final plan was submitted to the SHPC
public input solicitation,and plan draft sections.Representatives for a 30-day public comment period on August 5, 2014. The
from Nuka Research visited Seward in April 2014 to facilitate a commissioners seated at that time made a decision to incorporate
public forum. Organized by the SHPC, the forum included the public comments and continue the revision of the plan.The
commissioners and interested citizens. Prior to this meeting, final plan submittal by Nuka Research did not meet the goals and
commissioners visited the local high school and the senior center ideas needed for a historical preservation plan and was not
to discuss the preservation plan update.They extended to these accepted nor submitted for review to the Seward City Council.
groups,representing the younger and elder citizens of the Seward
community,a personal invitation to attend the public forum.On
April 22, 2014, a productive session was held at the Seward
Community Library and Museum. Nuka Research recorded
Seward citizens' plans and visions of the type of community in
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Histork Preservation Plan
5. Community History and feed plankton blooms, which in turn feed the thriving marine
fisheries found off the Kenai Peninsula coast."These support the
Character plentiful halibut,black cod,and salmon fisheries,an important
The character of Seward's h}sical setting, part of Seward's commercial and sport fishing industry,providing
p modem settlement an economic benefit to the community.
and other historical and cultural elements contributing to the
community's evolution is necessary to highlight the importance
of preservation efforts, The following is not a comprehensive
history of the City of Seward,but rather highlights of its first native
population,through its Russian history into the modern era.
5.1 Physical Setting and Geography
Resurrection Bay is located on the heavily glaciated southern 4 '.-;z �,. xI
coast of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula.It is comprised of a bay and
land mass on a break between the very large Harding Iccficld c.
stretching west to ICachemak Bay and the smaller Sargent Icefield
to the east.Together these ice fields have played a dominant role
in shaping die area's geology,which in turn has also shaped its — •
history. These ice fields feed the many tidewater and valley
glaciers,which make up what is now Kenai Fjords National Park %"""`�"'' '�"""
(KFNP).These glaciers are a principle factor in supporting the Overhead View of.Sertaid and Resurrection Bay, 1906 Photo
abundant marine mammal populations of the area.Today,Kenai propertyof Seward Community library Museum C.blledicn.
Fjords National Park has become a focal point of the growing
ecotourism industry out of Seward.
The mountains and glaciers create what have been described as
a'stern and rock-bound coast'(Cook&Norris)characterized by
very few streams or lakes long enough to support large
populations of salmon or other anadromous fish.Although they
are hidden beneath the waves,the Alaska Gyre and the Alaska
Coastal Current bring abundant deep ocean nutrients to the
continental shelf of the northern Gulf of Alaska.These nutrients
11
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
hunters of sea otters,black bear,martens,mink,and river otter 5.4 Early Days of Seward
in what is now Kenai Fjords National Park. IIis crews set up
winter camps along the coast from English Bay to Resurrection The Town of Seward was founded on August 28,1903 when the
Bay, including Aialik and Nuka Bay. They owned a cabin at Ballame brothers, founders of the Alaska Central Railway,
Lowell Point, their home on the waterfront near the current arrivedwith their landing party.The first attempt to make Seward
Alaska SeaLifc Center, including several out-buildings as far a city was during an election in May 1911,but the vote failed to
inland as Bear Lake. (USDOI NPS, "News") Lowell Point, get the required two-thirds myority. The city incorporation
Lowell Canyon, Lowell Creek, Mount Alice (daughter) and passed in May 1912 with 160 votes for and 31 against(Barry).
Mount Eva (youngest daughter) were named in honor of the
family.(Brue)
In part because the gap between the Harding and Sargent
lcefields provided relatively clear access into the interior without
hating to cross a glacier,the head of Resurrection Bay became a ...Or
favorite access point for surveys into the Interior.After gold was - ;•
discovered in the Sumise/Hope District in 1895,a rough trail was
1 1 i j
established from Resurrection Bay to the District to avoid the + 1, _- 411.4.
long distances and treacherous tides going up Cook Inlet and ?
Turnagain Ann.
The southern reaches of this trail would later become the start of. 4
tt s 1,
the Iditarod Trail. These beginnings prompted a significant •
survey expedition in 1898-1899(Cook and Norris)which would v , ♦ t
help define Seward's future.Maps developed from these surveys t
influenced the development of the railroad route from lJ
Resurrection Bay to the head of the Turnagain Arm and also the ttBIn F.G.narc l dacu -'maw aan July 4,15 03 sewml"
world-famous Iditarod "frail. These reports also purported Seward's layout was determined by a survey designed by CM.
agricultural and mining opportunities,which further spurred the
development of a railroad into the Seward area(Barry). Anderson,a civil engineer,for John Ballaine.The plan specified
city blocks divided by wide streets and bisected by alleyways.The
original town site went from the waterfront to seven lots beyond
Monroe Street and from First Avenue at the foot of Mount
Marathon and Bear Mountain along to the waterfront.There
were 40 blocks and 1,211 lots in total,with some placed along the
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With the discovery of gold in Iditarod on Christmas Day 1908, 5.6.1 WORLD WAR/
the Seward businessmen took fast action. In January 1909,the
Seward Commercial Club hired Jujiro Wada,an immigrant from The United States was formally engaged in WWI from April 6,
1917 to June 28, 1919,although hostilities were terminated on
Japan,who was legendary for his mashing skills and long trips November 11, 1918. More broadly, the period is defined as
into the wilderness,to"demonstrate to an absolute certainty that
the Seward route to the Iditarod was a feasible one." Alfred starting in 1914.During that time,Alaska-as a territory-saw no
less patriotic fervor and experienced some of the nationalistic
Lowell, of the Frank Lowell family, was hired to accompany
Wade tensions that arose in the melting pot of American life at the time.
They followed cite Seward4o-Nome trail,but where it could be Seward saw little visible direct impact from the First World War
improved,they blazed new routes and flagged the trail for others in terms of construction or expansion. There were no major
to follow.This significant contribution resulted in a trail that was fortifications or weapons emplacements, and a patrol of 20
used by thousands of people and for shipments of tons of mail infantrymen and an officer was the extent of military investment
supplies,and gold from 1910 until 1923.In 1915,a shipment of around Resurrection Bay. Visiting naval patrols used existing
gold weighing2,410 docks and shore side services.
pounds - worth $37 million today - was
transported through Seward to Seattle. The largest impact to the local economy was due to wartime
With the completion of the Alaska Railroad in 1923,use of the rationing, contributions to war bonds, and the interruption of
southern part of the trail decreased dramatically. People and construction and mining arinitv on the Kenai Peninsula and in
freight went to Nenana by rail and then across to the Iditarod area the historic Iditarod mining district due to the exodus of workers
by dog sled. The Iditarod Trail was established as a National of age and ability to serve in the United States military.
Historic Trail by the US.Congress in 1978.Maps and routes of Immediately following the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914,
the trail can be viewed www.iditarod.com. the Seward area remained largely concerned with expansion of
the growing community through residential and business
5.6 World War f (1914-1918), Prohibition construction, road building, and homesteading. Some of the
(1920-1923), Great Depression(1929- 1939), homestead claims were reviewed by the U.S. Government to
determine whether they would interfere with military projects.
Red Light District (1912- 1954)
Much of the growth in Seward over that handful of years was in
After the headquarters of the Alaska Railroad,created through a anticipation of railroad construction backed by the Alaska
merger with the Alaska Northern Railway after being purchased Railroad Bill,signed by President Woodrow Wilson in March
by the federal government,moved to Anchorage in 1917,Seward 1914.However,the draw of wartime service-first for immigrants
experienced difficult economic times. still closely tied to their origins, and then for volunteers and
•
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5.7 World War 11(1940-1944) The military set up anti-aircraft guns,machine guns,searchlight
In 1944,Co control stations,and pill boxes along Lowell Point,Fourth ofJuly
ugress approved funds for Alaska's defense.Seward's Creek, and the beaches, islands, and lower mountains of
ice-free port with sea-railroad connections became vital to Seward's Resurrection Bay.Docks,a hospital,and radio stations
mainland Alaska's protection. were built,and troops were housed in Quonset huts,tents,and
Materials and supplies from military bases in Anchorage and barracks.The Jesse Lee Home was painted with camouflage and
Fairbanks flowed through Seward, establishing an expanded used as barracks.The hospital remained in operation into the
government dock. 1950s and was used as a tuberculosis sanitarium.
Fort Raymond,one mile north of the city docks,was established With the winding down of military action in the Pacific,orders
and acted as a protective garrison for the city,harbor facilities, were issued to dismantle the Harbor Defense of Seward and to
and the railroad terminus. Provisions were also used for the close Fort Raymond.This was accomplished in December 1944.
military areas extending throughout Resurrection Bay. Many of Fort Raymond's structures were abandoned.Some were
An electromagnetic cable was laid across the entrance to converted into homes and are still occupied today,while others
Resurrection Bay for detection of submarines.Six outer islands were pure `d and moved throughout the city for a variety of
held two 60-inch Sea Coast Searchlights and searchlight control Some of these structures still exist in Seward today and have
stations.Outdated pre-World War I guns and equipment were been noted as worthy of more preservation attention.
installed to fortify island bases at South Beach,Rocky Point,Fort
McGilvray, and Fort Bulky (Rugged Island). The 1918
equipment was later replaced with six-inch guns taken from war
ships that were being upgraded.
--- "It— 1— ...t.-ar..~IP I
1 if
wir.I tea
ill C
te a• i_� !.—./` �a a;
I ` p {
......� N
wrest.stare L CT/o
t'
US Army Installations along Seward waterfront.Cropped from USACE report f944.
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
halibut processing and shipping.The late 1920s and early 1930s 1 r
•were also declining years for the central Alaska cod industry. •f•, �.' ;��i, . �j
In 19A3, the Seward Fish and - � e v � _ ,the opening of Cold Storage
Company brought a brief revival of halibut processing.In 1969, surd r ,,y;
it was sold to a Petersburg-based consortium that renamed the ,��rr.v r- � •
" ' 0./t•9ck ,lam 1�
( .:' .
business Seward Fisheries, Inc. It remains today as Seward's iwwrr&iwi • r.•�tit,k• ,g •f a;.
largest seafood processing plant. -. ( ,
•
Shrimp was an emerging fishery at the time of Statehood.By the ` - • ';C P- g , i f s.
end of 1959,Seward Fisheries had added four shrimp peeling •
R'"' i' •e• gE ';r
lines.For the next several years,the shrimp industry thrived.In * 1' "' ::
order to sustain operations,the shrimp harvesters had to seek out t'1~`' t 1
locations that were increasingly distant from Resurrection Bay. r .n `�Y
s. ; I
The plant in Seward remained active through the 1963 season. ^, r ! 'SwraTt)
The 1964 earthquake, however, destroyed all of the shrimp : : r I' s °C�
processing facilities and killed the industry in Seward. • - •' 'r
A few notable mileposts in the recent development of s� .a`�
o •
commercial fisheries in Seward include the slate's adoption of the
limited entry system to manage salmon (passage of the
Magnusson Fisheries Conservation Act in 1976), The it•.-••'
Community Development Quota Program within the Pollock
and cod fisheries(1992),the halibut&Sablefish(aka Black Cod) 1950/1997 Cropped sections of SGS
Individual Fishing Quota Program (1995),and the Magnuson- Topo-graphic Maps.Seward A-7
Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act amendments and
reauthorization(1996).As a result,Seward has reemerged as a
leading port for the processing of halibut,sablefish,and salmon.
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The popularity of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby since the mid-
1950s and the halibut tournament is indicative of the importance
of sports fishing,both charter and individual,as a cornerstone to
•
Seward's tourist economy.
The City of Seward acquired the Fourth of July/Spring Creek - . i
land through the State of Alaska. The establishment and •
construction of the Seward Marine Industrial Complex(SMIC)
in this area allowed the development of the shipyard and the r
Spring Creek Correctional Center. ' '''
5.10 Economic Highlights
5.10.1 Industry •
Seward began as a railway town.As the only ice-free port on the • •a •G.Hare CeAsenon-Peopie and handcart on Railroad Decks-circa 1907
railway, it became a hub for trans-shipment of freight into the
Interior.In 1910,the rudimentary trail to the gold fields on the Halibut,sablefish,and salmon are the most important species for
Kenai Peninsula was upgraded and extended into a mail and commercial fisheries,and presently there is a diverse commercial
freight route to the gold fields in the entire Iditarod District,and fishing fleet present in Seward comprised of long-liners,purse-
later to Nome.This is the historic Iditarod Trail,which still starts seiners, and gill-netters.The Seward Boat Harbor, which was
in Seward,and is listed on the National Register,and a highlight established in 1964,has recently added new floats,ramps,and
of Heritage Tourism. fish cleaning stations that have improved the existing facilities for
The establishment of the Alaskan Central Railway was the reason maximum access (Seward Boat Harbor). Charter boats arc
the City of Seward came into existence.Seward's role as a logistics numerous in Seward, and tourist and recreational outlets have
hub has defined the town throughout its history, ebbing and built up along the waterfront on Fourth Avenue. Halibut and
flowing with the economic times.Shortly after its construction in salmon fishing are the most popular species for sport fishing,
1917,the historic Alaska Railroad Depot,was moved from what
is now Adams Street and Ballaine Boulevard to its present
location on Railway Avenue after the Lowell Creek Flooding that
year. It was used as a depot until the 1964 Good Friday
Earthquake destroyed the railroad.The depot was added to the
National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and still stands.
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
5.10.3 Education (wscw.sikuliaq.alaska.edu).The Siiwliagmission is arctic
science, allowing the broad spectrum of
Critical to Seward's culture and economy arc its educational instrumentation/equipment
institutions,both the public school system and the facilities for q pment on board to advance all
future science specialties in research.
higher leaning.
This Historic Preservation Plan seeks to not only facilitate the
Local public schools are William H.Seward Elementary School, preservation of Sevvanl's
Seward Middle School, and Seward High School. past history, but also to lay the
(vvww.kpbsd.kl2.ak usJ) groundwork to preserve the historic legacy of more recent events.
• The Alaska Vocational and Technical Center, or
AVTEC (www.avtec.edu), Alaska's Institute of
Technology,offers a wide variety of course studies in the •�' ' . • •
areas of culinary institute, Alaska Maritime Training t -'
Center, diesel and heavy mechanics, welding, energy C '
building and electrical training, and office and t•. •
information technology.In addition to being a resource ,- 'ram
for job training, AVTEC also provides jobs for the t► -.
community by employing course instructors in a variety 'a1
of support for diverse staffing roles in local businesses 4PK
•
and corporations. Graduates of the training programs
work in diverse employment throughout Alaska, the •
U.S.,and internationally. R]aSS Ritnta Collection-c1904 r t
• The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries
and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), Seward Marine Center
(ht1pi/www.uaf.edu/sfos/about-us/locatious/seward), is 5.11 Significant Events & Disasters
an invaluable resource for the local community which 5.11.1 Lowell Creek Flooding
provides professors and graduate students with facilities
necessary to conduct important research,including crab Seward is built on an alluvial plane,causing periodic flooding in
development. In addition,the center is the home port many areas of the city. In 1917, Lowell Creek flooded when
for the ice capable Arctic Research Vessel Siku/iaq, a heavy rains and wind plagued Seward. The creek washed out
member of the LNOIS (University-National everything along the current Jefferson Street,including bridges,
Oceanographic Laboratory System) fleet trees,railroad tracks,houses,and the school house.Additionally,
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million in taxes after it accepted single billing for services from
Vero.
Money from oil spill litigation settlements that followed funded
in part the Alaska SeaLife(:enter and the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish
Hatchery.The settlement between the State of Alaska,the federal
government,and Exxon Shipping was made before the natural
recourse claims went to litigation.The State and Federal Trustee
Council manages the remaining funds.
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6. Community Resources 6.1.2 Seward Community Library and Museum
Opened in January 2013,t c Seward Community library and
This section describes the key local historic and cultural
Museum is a public library, historical museum, archive, and
preservation resources and information management practice in community center that serves the City of Seward and the
Seward surrounding area. Their archives and historical artifacts are
maintained through a partnership with the Resurrection Bay
6.1 Local Historic and Cultural Clubs and Historical Society and Seward Community library Association.
Organizations The museum,which is located on the first floor,currently has
Given the depth of the historical and cultural resources in the 5,000 objects, photographs, and archives. The mission, in
Resurrection Bay area,multiple organizations have focused on collaboration with the Resurrection Bay Historical Society,is to
preserving different pieces,resulting in a rich cultural scene and document and interpret the diverse history of Seward and the
multiple outlets to utilize for community improvement efforts.
Resurrection Bay area. (Seward Historic Preservation
The Commission seeks to stimulate communication amongst Commission)
these different groups to create a unified vision for Seward. 6.1.3 Resurrection Bay Historical Society
6.1.1 Seward Community Library Association The Resurrection Bay Historical Society(RBHS)was founded in
Established in the early 1930s,the Seward Community Library 1962, by a group of local citizens interested in preserving
Association served as a repository and curate for all historic and Seward s history. After amassing a large collection of Alaska
culturally significant items that would normally belong in a native artifacts,the group created the Seward Community Library
museum. When the Resurrection Bay Historical Society was and Museum in conjunction with the Seward Community Library'
founded in 1962, the Library Association partnered with the Association in the basement of City Hall in 1966.In 2003,RBHS
Historical Society to raise funds and advocate for construction of declares support for the building of a new Seward Community
•the present-day Seward Community library and Museum, a' and Museum facility and were active in the building
partnership of the two.Currently,the Library Association retains'•
process and 2013 dedication.Along with the shared use of the
ownership and responsibility for an extensive art collection,the building,it was agreed that the city would assume operations of
historic Sylvia Sexton photograph collection,as well as artifacts the Seward Community Library and Museum with RBHS in a
that arc on loan to the Seward Community Library and Museum. strong management support role as well as the owner of the
(www.friendsofscla.orr/homc) artifacts.
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6.1.6 Qutekcak Native Tribe Seward. 'Telephone 907-422-0500. Google Map Coordinates
60.1165108,-149.4405508. The Exit Glacier Nature Center&
The Qutekcak Native Tribe is an organization that welcomes all Trail Head for Harding Icefield Trail can be found at Google
Alaska native peoples in the Seward area and the Eastern Kenai
Peninsula to come together for cultural activities and educational Map Coordinates 60.1782633,-149.6494389. The
and support programs.As a group of people from multiple native Administration Office is located at 411 Washington Street
groups,the Qutekcak do not have federal recognition but work Seward.www.mis.pv/kefi
with Chugachtniut Tribal Consortium while advocating for 6.1.8 Caines Head State Recreation Area,Alaska
recognition.The Qutekcak Native Tribe encourages the passing Department of Natural Resources
dowry of native Alaskan culture and traditions through dance,
Caines
song,language,food,and athletics,aiming to make the younger Head State Recreation Area, the scenic site of an
generations proud of their heritage and to foster a lasting,vibrant abandoned World War II fort,can be reached by boat or tide
native community in the Resurrection Bay Area (Qutekcak). dependent foot trail from Seward.The massive headland rises
(vvww.scwarviaknatives.com) 650 feet above Resurrection Bay against a backdrop of rolling
alpine meadows and sharp peaks,giving way to a sweeping view
Chugachuniut is the Tribal consortium created to promote self- of the North Pacific Ocean. By default, other World War II
determination to the seven Native communities of the Chugach vintage sites on Resurrection Bay are also overseen by the
Region.They provide health and social services,education and Department of Natural Resources. Alaska State Parks,
training,and technical assistance to the Chugach Native people Kenai/PWS Area Office Soldotna,Alaska telephone 907-262-
in a way that is acceptable to Native cultural values and tradition 5581
iu order to enhance the well-being of native people by continuing http///dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspimits/kenai/cainesheadsra.htm
to strengthen the tribes and increase self-determination
opportunities for community operated tribal programs. (www.
chugaclunuit.or•g) 6.1.9 American Legion Post#5
6.1.7 Kenai Fjords National Park 402 5" Ave, Seward Alaska telephone 907-224 5440
www.amcricanlcgionpost5.com.
At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age
lingers.Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield,Kenai
Fjords'crowning feature.Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush
forests around this vast expanse of icc.Native Ahntiiq relied on
these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea.Today,
shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing
climate. The main Visitor Center is located at 1212 4" Ave.,
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6.2 Information Management
6.2.1 City Files
The files of the City of Seward include a wealth of information
on Seward's history,including past council minutes,resolutions,
ordinances, and tax assessor records maintained by the City
Clerk.The Community Development Department serves in a
support role to the Planning and Zoning Commission,and thus
has historic maps,plans,documents,and knowledge on historic
preservation parameters. Additionally, they maintain the
community's cemetery records for the City, Legion, Pioneers,
Masons,Flks,Jesse Lee,and Woodlawn cemeteries.The Seward
Community library and Museum provides a support role to the
Seward Historic Preservation Commission and maintains the
agendas, minutes, resolutions and proclamations for the
Commission.www.cityofseward.us
6.2.2 District Court
Seward District Court is part of the third judicial district of
Alaska.The District Court is a trial court of limited jurisdiction
that maintains documents of civil and criminal cases, appeals,
land transactions, death records, mining claims, and property
titles. Other courts in the Kenai Peninsula Borough are the
Homer District Court and the Kenai Superior Court.(907)224-
3075. http://www.coun1.1ousc.com/al:/setrercl/scward-
courthouse
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7. Preservation Opportunities Et • Better utilize available economic incentives for historical
Challenges preservation.
• Develop a sense of history among the populous by
This section identifies the challenges facing the City of Seward in recognizing local culture.
their efforts to enhance historic and preservation awareness and
action while also highlighting opportunities that have been 7.2 Challenges
identified to strengthen preservation efforts and capitalize on
The development of the original Historic Preservation Plan in
existing resources. 1996 was sp
urred by concern over progressive loss of local
historical character,especially within the downtown area. As a
7.1 Opportunities dynamic community with strong fishing, outdoor recreational
The Seward community has many opportunities with local activities, and tourism industries, it is a place that brings out
resources to create preservation possibilities. The Seward different points of view,particularly in defining and preserving its
Historic Preservation Commissioners and local citizens have history. Decreasing opportunities for historic preservation have
highlighted positive suggestions to enhance local preservation continued to make this a concern, resulting in a continuing
interest and action. Suggestions of opportunities in Seward commitmem to updating the historical plan.
include: Seward continues to develop and transform,primarily driven by
• Educate citizens on historic preservation and the benefits economic concerns, with a diverse, often partitioned, mix of
to our community. lifelong citizens,short term residents,and new families.These
diverse stakeholders and their independent interests contribute
• Historic sites should be identified and labeled. to limited community awareness of the challenges to retaining
• Increase community involvement in historic local character and history.
preservation. The following concerns identified during the plan rewrite may
• Broaden educational resources, including public not represent all concerns and necessarily have an obvious
schools, University of Alaska Fairbanks College of immediate solution.Considering them and starting a dialogue for
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences,and Alaska Institute of what can be done in the future is the Commission's intent.
Technologyy.
• Enhance heritage tourism opportunities.
• Explore ways to protect historic resources.
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
8. Agenda for Future Action Ia,rrg4er n ambitions include:
• Encourage mindfulness of modernization while
8.1 Immediate Action preserving local character.
After identifying what opportunities and challenges affect • Educate local community about preservation in order to
Seward's historic preservation effort, the Commission seeks to engage them in preservation efforts.
achieve the following as immediate action steps. • Continued support of being a government entity and
• Focus on goals,that the Commission can influence and historic advisor.
change.
• Encourage the integrity and authenticity of historic
• Work with City Planning and Zoning to highlight historic districts.
preservation incentives.
• Engage modem technology to help identify and promote
• Seek consensus from the City about a vision for Seward. local historic sites.
• Create voluntary guidelines to unify the town while being • Coordinate an annual or bi-annual meeting of all
respectful of the needs of private property rights. preservation entities in town to discuss ideas and ongoing
• Consider other towns as models if they have executed projects in order not to duplicate efforts and encourage
local regeneration with success. collaboration.
• Identify and share economic benefits of historic 8.3 Timeline for Next Plan Revision
preservation.
The 1996 plan stated that a review of the standing plan should
8.2 Long-term Ambitions take place annually. The 2017 Seward Historic Preservation
Commission seeks to update the plan every five years,which will
In addition to immediate goals for the Seward community,other ensure that the current Commission is focused on its mission and
themes emerged throughout the plan update process that can be achieving the goals that have been set to preserve Seward's
incorporated into a long-term plan for historic preservation.The history.The review of the plan shall involve a work session,assess
SHPC wants to further their mission while also becoming a more progress on meeting established goals,and focus on developing
vibrant resource within the community. an updated work plan to be reviewed by City government and
citizens of Seward.
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9. Conclusion
Seward is one of a handful of Alaska's founding communities and
has grown over time from its roots as a frontier town at the turn
of the century through two world wars and the industrial age.In
prehistoric times and for a period after European explorers began
sailing these waters, Alaska Native communities called the
Resurrection Bay area home through successive waves of
settlement,both brief and enduring.
Now Sewardites look toward the future,endowed with developed
resources such as an ice-free port and harbor,a strategic location,
and continued economic development driven by the
combination of the opportunities these afford including
remarkable growth in recreational activities and tourism.
While these possibilities enrich what Seward is today, they are
built on a foundation of progressive community advancement
and the relics of trials and triumphs.This plan,and the shared
effort that it represents in fostering a vision for the future, is
simply one effort to preserve the historic and cultural elements
that define this unique community and its people and capture that
spirit for future generations.
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10. References Brue,Sandy.The Lowell Family and Alaska Fur Trade
industry. Page 39-43. Alaska Park Science
Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of Volume 3,Issue 1www.nps.egv,2014
History & Archeology. Local government Capra, Doug. "The Spaces Between, Stories from the
preservation programs. Kenai Mountains to The Kenai Fjords."Ember
http://dnr.alaska.gov/narks/oha/grant/akckhttn Press,2014
Alaska Digital Archives. City of Seward Municipal Code.ityofseward.net
httn:/hilda.alaska.cdu/cdn>lndes,2017
Cook,Linda&Frank Norris.A Stern and Rock-Bound
'Alaska Earthquake 50th Anniversary Commemora- Coast. National Park Service, Alaska Support
lion."19 March 2014,Seward City News. Office
Anonymous, "California State capitol restoration bans://wwvv.uns.gov/parklustorv/anlnw hooks!
project,"\VAAC Newsletter Vol.4 No.1,1982, keli/lus/hrs.htm,1998.
lrttp://cool.conservatiouus.org/waac/wn/wn04,w Crowell, A. & D. Mann. Archeology and Coastal
1r04-1/nn04101.html,1982. Dynamics of Kenai Fjords National Park,
Barry,Mail."Seward Alaska:A History of the Gateway Alaska. Anchorage, Alaska: National Park
City Vol I: Prehistory to 1914," MJ.P. Bane, Service,1998.
1986. deLaguna, Frederica. "Chugach Prehistory: The
Barry,MaryJ."Seward Alaska:A History of the Gateway Archaeology of Prince William Sound,Alaska."
City. VoL II: 1914 - 1923 The Railroad University of Washington Press, 1956.
Construction Years,"MJ.P.Barry,1993 Morseth, Michele. The People of the Volcanoes:
Barry,MaryJ.Seward Alaska:A History of the Gateway Aniachak National Monument and Preserve
City. Vol. III: 19241993 Growth, Tragedy, Ethnographic Overview and assessment.
Recovery,Adaptation,"MJ.P.Barry,1995. National Park Service,Anchorage,1998.
Briuey,Amanda, 'Historic Preservation:Au Overview National Park Service. Franklin G. Lowell
of Historic Preservation and Why it's so www.NPS.gov/rcf/lcam Page 13-14
Important to Urban Planning."though.co.
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11 . Appendices
Appendix A. List of all Seward Historic Preservation Commissioners (List provided by Seward City Clerk's
office-2016
Appendix B. List of Historic Register of Seward Houses and Sites
Appendix B.1 Seward Register of Historic Places Application
Appendix C.List of Places on National Historic Register in Seward
Appendix D.Seward Historic Preservation Commission Plants&Trees(information and Application
Appendix E. 1975 List of Seward Historical Inventory Sites(Original List)
Appendix F.NPS Determination of Eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. Seward
Commercial Historic District 8/11/2004
Appendix G. Seward City Code-Article 4-Historic Preservation Commission &State Guidelines
for the Alaska Certified Local Government Historic Preservation Program
Appendix H.Summary of Seward Public Forum(April 2014)
Appendix I. 2014 Public Survey
Appendix J.Results of 2014 Public Survey
zJ, 61.
Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Nan
6-184011 8-132012 5-27-2014 9-8-2014 5-23-2016
Ryan Reynolds Sarah Fink John French Sandie Roach' Wolfgang Kurtz.
John French Wadeen Hepworth
311.2013 5-26-2015
10-10-2011 Frank DeMarco 7-14-2014 Linda Lasota
Doug Capra Laura Erickson Frederick Woelkers
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Appendix B.1 Seward Register of Historic Places Application
Guide to Completing the
Seward Register of Historic Places
Application
What is the Seward Register of Historic Places?
The Seward Register of Historic Places was established by City Councii Ordinance Ho,95-10 in order to provide for public recognition
of local cultural resources worthy of preservation. The hope was that identifying and recognizing properties that were important in
Seward's history would help change the way the community perceives its historic resources,and encourage private citizens and public
officials to preserve these resources. In addition,the research and documentation that result from completing the local register
application provides a valuable historic resource. Since there is nothing regulatory about being listed on the Seward Register of
Historic Places,placement on the local register does not place any restrictions or limitations on a property.
The purpose of this guide is to assist individuals in completing the Seward Register of Historic Places application form. It is not
necessary for the applicant to be the property owner. Anyone can prepare and submit an application to nominate an eligible property
for the local register. The attached pamphlet: Where to Find information on Historic Property in Seward,Alaska will assist in the
research portion of the application. An example of a completed application Is also attached for reference.
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II. Property Information
A. Name of Property
Enter the name that best reflects the propertys historic importance or was commonly used for the property during
the period of significance. List additional historic names under Other Names/Site Number. Contact the Resurrection
Bay Historical Society, Community Development Office, and State Historic Preservation Office for historic names,
and Alaska Heritage Resource Survey number. If there are no known names,or site numbers write N/A in the space.
Kenai Peninsula Borough tax parcel number can be obtained from property tax bills and statements,the Community
Development Office,or the KPB Assessing Office.
B. Location
Contact the Community Development Office for the street(physical)address and legal description(lot, block,and
subdivision).
C. Owner of Property
Identify current owner(s)and mailing address. Telephone numbers are optional.
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E. Description
Provide a narrative describing the property and any interesting architectural features particular to the structure.
Clearly delineate between the original appearance and current appearance. Begin by describing the current
appearance of a particular feature. Then describe its original appearance and any changes,noting when the changes
occurred. This section may be written in an outline or paragraph format.
Following is a guideline for describing buildings,structures and objects:
1. Type or form,such as dwelling,church,or commercial block.
2. Setting,including the placement or arrangement of buildings and other resources, such as in a commercial
center or a residential neighborhood.
3. General characteristics:
a.Overall shape of plan and arrangement of interior spaces.
b.Number of stories.
c.Construction materials,such as brick or wood.
d. Roof shape,such as gabled,hip,or shed.
e.Structural system,such as balloon frame,or post and beam.
4. Specific features: porches,windows,doors,chimney,dormer.
5. Important decorative elements.
6. Significant interior features.
7. Number,type,and location of outbuildings,with dates,if known.
8. Other manmade elements.
9. Alterations or changes to the property,with dates if known
10. Deterioration due to vandalism,neglect,lack of use,or weather.
11. For moved properties:
a. Date of move.
b. Descriptions of location,orientation,and setting before and after the move.
c. Reasons for the move.
d.Method of moving.
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I. Bibliographical References
Identify all sources used in documenting and evaluating the property including: books,journal or magazine articles,
interviews,planning documents,historic resource studies or survey reports,census data,newspaper articles,deeds,
wills,correspondence, business records, diaries,and other sources. Use a standard bibliographic style such as the
following examples:
Hoagland,Alison K. Buildings of Alaska. New York:Oxford University Press, 1993.
Barry,Mary J.Seward,Alaska,A History of the Gateway City,Vol l:Prehistory to 1914. Anchorage,Alaska:M.J.P.
Barry, 1986.
Guidelines for bibliographical references:
• For all printed materials,list the author,full title, location and date of publication and publisher,
• For articles,list also the name,volume,and date of the journal or magazine.
• For unpublished manuscripts,indicate where copies are available.
For interviews, include the date of the interview, name of the interviewer, name and title of the person
interviewed,and the location where the tape or transcript is stored.
J. Form Prepared By-Self-explanatory. Please include your telephone number,and e-mail address.
K. Photographs
Possible sources for historic photographs include the property owner, Resurrection Bay Historical Society, and the
Seward Community Library Museum.
III ROUTING REVIEW
Mail or drop off your completed application to the City of Seward,Seward Community Library Museum, P.O. Box 2389,238
Fifth Ave,Seward,AK 99664. Your application will be forwarded to the Resurrection Bay Historical Society for review and
comments prior to being presented to the Historic Preservation Commission. You will be contacted if additional information
or clarification is needed.
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Appendix D. Seward Historic Plant a Tree Register
Seward Historic Plant Et Tree Register
What is the Seward Historic Plant& Tree Register?
The Seward Historic Plant&Tree Register was established by Seward City Council Ordinance No.07-006 to increase public awareness
of Seward's locally significant plants and trees.This program promotes community appreciation of natural and cultural resources,
and encourages the preservation of these assets. In addition,the research and documentation that result from completing the local
register application provides a valuable historic resource. Pkase note,there is nothing regulatory about being listed on the Seward
Historic Plant and Tree Register.Placement on the register does not place any restrictions or limitations on a property.
Historic plants and trees are those individual and groups of plants that have been designated as significant on the basis of their
importance to Seward's history.They need not be found within the Seward city limits,but must be located between Gaines Head
in Resurrection Bay and the head of Kenai Lake. Plants may be acknowledged due to their inclusion in a landscape,or association
with a significant event or person. A noteworthy plant may be identified as a specimen, historic, landmark, collection or
commemorative. For a plant or tree to be considered for inclusion to the Seward Historic Plant&Tree Register, it must satisfy
at least one of the following criteria:
A. The plant or tree is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of Seward
history.
B. The plant or tree is associated with the life of a person or group of historic significance.
C. The plant or tree represents a significant and distinguishable entity within a community or location.
0. The plant or tree has age,size,or species significance that contributes to its heritage status.
To nominate a tree or plant, complete the attached application form. The applicant need not be the owner of the property
where the plant is located.Once the application has been submitted,it will be forwarded to the Seward Historic Preservation
Commission.For assistance,contact the City of Seward's Community Development office,907-224-4048.
Complete application forms may be sent to:
City of Seward Community Library Museum,P.O. Box 2389,Seward,AK 99664
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district no longer retains its integrity and is not eligible for listing on the National Register
of Historic Places.
Area of consideration
The 50 buildings and 1 structure that were considered within the Seward Commercial Historic
District are in a four block area between Railroad and Adams Streets, and Third and Fifth Avenues.
All of the buildings fall within the Original Town site, although there have been several subsequent
re-plats.
Additional consideration was given to a potentially smaller commercial historic district that
focused primarily along Fourth Avenue from Railway Avenue on the south to Adams Street on the
north. This district is where the majority of Seward businesses were concentrated during the time
of significance.
Historic Appearance
From 19C3-1943, the Seward business district consisted primarily of shops, restaurants and hotels.
The buildings were defined by the narrow lot widths, were rectangular or square—shaped, and were
one or two stories. The symmetrically laid out streets and blocks provided an orderly appearance
and provided easy access to the businesses. All buildings fronted directly on the streets. Along
Fourth Avenue, there was a cohesive appearance with commercial storefront windows and false fronts,
with some fronts extending above the rooflines to conceal the buildings with gable roofs. There
were few vacant lots along Fourth. Third and Fifth development was much more mixed with several
single dwelling residences amidst commercial properties, several vacant lots, and no unified
storefront appearance. The buildings that would be considered"Contributing" within this district
are simple frame buildings which retain original features such as stucco siding and commercial
display windows. The residences are small, one—story houses with log or shi.plap siding.
Important streetscape elements include Fourth Avenue as the entryway into Seward from the main
city dock. The grand three story Arcade building, built in 1922 (expanded in 1924-25 and again
in 1937), with its close proximity to the dock and its orientation on the distinct triangular
lot stood as a symbolic greeter to the town. The creation of Hoben's Park across Railway from
the Arcade further enhanced the town's "welcoming" elements.
Changes to the District
The November 1941 fire destroyed at least sixteen buildings on the east side of Fourth Avenue.
Several of Seward's business owners immediately set to rebuilding their stores. By 1943,
approximately six businesses along the east block of Fourth Avenue were in place: the Seward Bakery
(1942) ; Seward Shop (1942) ; Urbach's (1941) ; Quilt Shop (1943) ; Alaska Shop (1941) ; and the
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
building and street orientation and streetscape elements including some of the original Victorian
5—light, 4—arms down with gargoyle lampposts on Fifth Avenue. Additional lamp posts have been
replaced with in—kind Victorian lamps which maintain the similar pattern of placement along the
streets including Fourth and Adams. Some of the original Arcade building sidewalk vault lights that
were placed to illuminate the shower areas in the basement remains today. Two of these vault light
panels are visible along the Fourth Avenue side and the other two panels are located along
Washington Street, although these have been covered with asphalt and can only be seen from the
basement vantage point.
There is a continuity of historic function within the district. Today one can drive up Fourth Avenue
and park in front of Brown. & Hawkins much as customers did seventy years ago. The district consists
of the same types of buildings that have been there historically — commercial, residential and
transportation related. A few buildings such as the Van Gilder Hotel and Brown and Hawkins, which
are listed on the National Register and the Liberty Theatre, maintain their historic integrity.
Substantial changes, however, have occurred to the majority of buildings within the district. The
combination of altered storefronts, the intrusion of modern siding (as found on the Seward Commercial
Company building and the Yukon Bar), new unsympathetic construction, and vacant lots have
significantly impacted the appearance of the cohesive and historic commercial district. In addition,
the Fourth Avenue entryway into town has been greatly minimized with the loss of the town's welcoming
landmark, the original Arcade building, and the modern construction of the Sea Life Center, which
now serves to block the south end of Fourth Avenue. Adjacent walkways and parking have incorporated
the formerly separate Hoben's Park into the Center's landscaping.
Determination for Lack of Integrity as Sr. Historic District
According to the National Register of Historic Places criteria, at least 51% of the properties
within a district should have integrity to be considered eligible as an historic district. This
criteria reflects that an eligible historic district will retain its integrity as a whole, and that
the majority of its components will be substantially unchanged since the period of significance.
Within the commercial historic district that includes portions of Fourth Avenue, Adams, Third,
Fifth, Washington and Railway streets, 50 buildings and I structure were evaluated for their
eligibility to the district. Thirty-One of these buildings were constructed during the 1903-1943
time period of significance and 20 were built after this time period. Of these 31 properties, only
two buildings are clearly contributing: Brown & Hawkins and the Van Gilder Hotel. The Liberty
Theatre may be contributing but more investigation needs to be done before that can be determined.
Additional consideration was given to a Fourth Avenue business district that excluded properties
along Third and Fifth Avenues. This captured 26 buildings that were built during the 1903-1943
period. Of this number, however only two currently maintain their historic integrity: Brown &
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
In sum, with facade changes to many of the historic buildings, as well as with unsympathetic new
construction, the district has lost its significant concentration of historically linked properties
and is therefore not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places at this time.
BUILDINGS (properties are considered nor.-contributing unless noted otherwise)
Third Avenue (east side of block; from south to north) :
Buick Apartments (AHRS Site #SEW-01091)
200 Third Avenue, on the corner of Third and Washington, built 1945, 9,000 square feet. SW0000001
TOIS ROIW SIO; West 50" of Lot 21, 22, 23 and all of Lot 24 Block 10; Apartments over retail.
Historically front facade had vertical wood siding, windows have been replaced; in 1966 walls were
changed to stucco and metal siding was added.
208 Third Avenue (AHRS Site #SEEW-01092)
Brown stucco building, constructed 1972. Determined not eligible for the National Register, 2002.
210 Third Avenue (AHRS Site #SEW-01093)
Quonset hut. Circa 1940s. Determined not eligible for the National Register, 2002.
Vacant lots
216 Third Avenue (AHRS Silt 'SEW-01094)
1925 built single-story residence. White painted stucco with a modern blue metal roof.
220 Third Avenue (AHRS Site #SEW-01095)
Summer 2004, a two-story house was under construction on the site of a former 1925 residence.
Playground and vacant lots
New motel/apartments building. Site of the former Crab Pot Restaurant (AHRS Site # SEW-01096) 236
Third Avenue. The original building, constructed in 1945, consisted of wood frame, wood siding, and
metal roof. This structure was destroyed in a fire in 2001. Summer 2004, a new single story, large
rectangular building with horizontal siding was under construction at this location.
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shingled upper floor exterior, first floor exterior brick at window lines, and stone on lower floor.
2001 fire prompted a remodel. Alterations appear to be irreversible.
Tony's Bar (AHRS Site #SEW-01098)
135 Fourth Avenue, built 1942, 9, 000 square feet, two stories. SW0000001 TOIW ROIW SIO, South
Lot 2 all of Lot 3, Block 3. Two- story, wood frame building, retains facade of original stucco
building with addition of wood shingle strips, first floor windows have been in-filled. Alterations
may be reversible.
Elks Club (AHRS Site #SEW-01099)
137 & 139 Fourth Avenue, 1942, 9, 000 square feet. SW0000001 TOTS ROIW SIO
Original Townsite North Lot 2 all of Lot 1, Block 3. Two-story building. Original facade stucco
exterior, concrete foundation, flat built-up roof, and wood frame. 1976 remodel includes metal
siding on upper half of building. 1975 remodel replaced 4/4 double hung windows with larger non-
historic plate glass windows. Interior remodeled in 1985. Alterations appear to be irreversible.
Yukon Bar (AHRS Site #SEW-00300)
201 Fourth Avenue, built 1935, structure is 2,100 square feet. SW0000001 TO IW SIO Original Townsite
Lot 20 Block 10. Wood frame, one-story buildings, concrete foundation, wood frame, stucco exterior
walls, built-up roof. Major remodel in 1998 replaced historic exterior, including addition of
vertical wood siding above stone veneer with a sunburst at roof. Alterations are irreversible.
Marina Restaurant (AHRS Site #SEW-0II00)
203 Fourth Avenue, built 1976, 754 square feet. SW000000I TOIW S10 Original Townsite Lot 20 Block
10. One-story frame building.
Brown & Hawkins General Store (AHRS Site #SEW-00038)
205, 207, 209 Fourth Avenue, Built 1904 - 1909; 81, 400 square feet; SW000000I T 01S S 10,
Original Townsite Lot 16 & 17, Block 10. Original commercial use, concrete foundation, wood
frame, wood siding exterior.
Original store opened in 1903 in a one-story frame building measuring 12' X 24. In 1904, on the
same site, a two-story frame building was constructed. In 1907 a one-story 30' x 80' frame building
was constructed on the north side of the 1904 structure, and was acquired by Brown & Hawkins
sometime prior to 1909 when they added a second story. Between 1911 and 1915 Brown & Hawkins
purchased a one-story building on the south side of the 1904 structure. Remodel in 1940 added stucco
exterior walls and replaced historic windows. Remodels in 1999 and 2002 removed stucco in-fill,
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Seward Commercial Company (AHRS Site #SEW-00413)
225 Fourth Avenue, built 1906-1908; 6,200 square feet; SW0000001 TOIS ROIW SIO Original Townsite
Lot B and south 7 feet two inches of Lot 7, Block 10. Original exterior stucco, concrete foundation,
frame building. Owner received historical building loan in 1987, but remodel appears to be interior.
Alterations appear irreversible.
Fire & Ice Corp. (AKRS Site #SEW-01104)
227 Fourth Avenue, built 1916; 2,366 square feet. SW0000001 TOIS ROIW SIO Original Town site North
22 feet, ten inches of Lot 7 Block 10. Original exterior stucco, concrete foundation, wood frame,
and flat roof. In 196C a canopy was built over front of building, facade renovated with shingle
siding. 1977 renovation covered second floor Hansard addition with shake shingle siding. Alterations
appear to be irreversible.
Apollo Restaurant (AHRS Site #SEW-01105)
229 Fourth Avenue, built 1992. 4,620 square feet. SW0910013 TO IS ROIW S 10, Lot 5A Block IC.
Stylin' Stitches (AHRS Site #SEW-C1106)
233 Fourth Avenue, two structures, both built in 1956; one 2,920 square feet, the other is 936
square feet. SW0000001 TOIS ROIW SIO original Townsite Lot 4 Block .0. Original construction concrete
foundation, concrete block, flat roofed two-story building, with recessed entry. The building facade
on Fourth Avenue has been altered with addition of vertical wood siding. Public restroom (building)
and pavilion (structure) corner of Adams and 4th Avenue, 237 and 239 Fourth Avenue, built 2002. The
lot consists of pathways that lead to a small pavilion with benches and an adjacent public restroom.
Fourth Avenue - East side (from south to north
Arcade Building (AHRS Site #SEW-664)
132, 134, 136, 138 Fourth Avenue, built 1943; 8, 349 square feet. SW0000001 TO IS ROIW SI0 Original
Townsite L05 37, 38, 39 and 40 of Block 4. This building replaced the original Arcade building,
which was destroyed in the fire of 1941, sparing some of the first floor and basement. The 1943
exterior is mostly stucco, with concrete foundation and flat roof, with horizontal wood siding, on
Washington Street side exterior. Several of the windows on the Washington Street elevation have
been replaced with modern windows and some remodeling as occurred near the steps of this elevation
as well. Summer 2004, the building exterior was painted a dark brick red color, which is a striking
contrast to the historic white or off-white color.
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wood frame, concrete block building. Ir. 1966 slate was added to first floor exterior, vertical
redwood siding to second floor exterior. Alterations may be reversible.
Vacant Lot - lots 34 and 33
Seward Bakery Building (AHRS Site #SEW-01]13)
228 Fourth Avenue, built 1942; 2,400 square feet, SW00000O1 TOIS ROIW SIO Original Townsite Lot
35 Block 9. Original concrete block foundation, concrete frame, block exterior walls. Extensive
remodeling has occurred since construction, including new front facade, window and door
replacement, new siding, hipped roof canopy and new parapet wall. Alterations appear to be
irreversible.
Carson Meats (AHRS Site *SEW-01114)
230 Fourth Avenue, built 1920; 3,080 square feet. SW0000001 TOIW ROIW SIO Original Townsite Lot
36 Block 9. Original concrete foundation, wood frame, stone and wood siding. Front was remodeled
in 1978, including addition of meta] siding, rear addition and new aluminum windows. Further
investigation is needed to determine if alterations are irreversible.
Vacant building (AHRS Site #SEW-01115)
232 Fourth Avenue, built 1966; 2,210 square feet. SW0000001 TOIS ROIW SIO Original Townsite, Lot
37 Block 9.
Seward Trading COQany (AHRS Site #SEW-01116)
234 Fourth Avenue, built 1922; 12, 000 square feet. SW0980034 TOIS ROIW SIO Original Lindsey re-
plat #2 Lot 38A Block 9. Original concrete foundation, built-up roof, wood frame, stucco exterior
walls. Extensive remodels through building's history include addition of four one-bedroom apartments
in 1966, first floor remodeled into a market, front facade remodeled in 1977. Building again totally
renovated in 1999. The new steel siding and replacement windows give the building a modern
appearance. Alterations appear to be irreversible.
Washington Street:
Old Solly's Building (ARKS Site #SEW-209) on the east side of Fourth.
411 Washington Street, built ca. 1916; S, 498 square feet. SWOO000O1 TO IS ROIW SIO Original
Townsite Lot 1 and 2, Block 4. Cal M. Brosius purchased these lots in 1911. Photographs show that
this building was constructed around 1916. Mr. Brosius lived for many years in the second-story
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Railway Avenue
Brosius 6 Noon Building Supply (AHRS Site #SEW-00151)
(Seaview Plaza) west side of Fourth Avenue. 302 Railway, built 1906, 1907,. 1909; remodeled 1984;
16,082 square feet. SW0930014 TOIS ROIW SIO, Lot 32A Block 3. The original buildings are a two-
story wood frame carpenter shop built in 1909; a one- story wood frame building supply store was
built 1907; and a one-story wood frame warehouse built in 1906. The buildings and businesses were
bought by W. M. Sayers who added sled making to the business. In 1909 Charles Krefting purchased
the building and became business partners with Cal Brosius. Later Cal Brosius bought out Krefting
and acquired John Noon as his partner. Upon Brosius' death in 1941, John Paulstciner purchased the
business, followed by Albert Gordon McRae who continued the building supply operation. The business
operated for almost 60 years. The buildings retain some of the original rooflines, setting, mass
and scale. However, changes over the years including the alteration of window and door openings,
the addition of modern windows and modern exterior siding have compromised the buildings' integrity.
Owners during the 198Cs converted the buildings into a shopping mall. Renovations to the buildings'
exterior are so drastic that even tax assessors records indicate the building was built in 1984.
Alterations are irreversible.
Fifth Avenue - West Side (from south to north; in addition to these buildings at least two lots are
paved parking areas on this block) :
legends Restaurant
201 Fifth Avenue built 1985; 3,538 square feet. SW0830003 TOIS ROIW SIO Lot 17A.
This building replaced, the Pioneer Bar or Louvre (AHRS Site # SEW- 00301), a two--story frame
building with asbestos siding built in 1905. This building was torn down in 1983 to make room for
the new restaurant. While a small portion of the original building remains, the vast majority of
the building's historic fabric is no longer extant.
New Seward Saloon (AIRS Site #STW-01117)
209 Fifth Avenue, built 1994; 1, 957 square feet. SW00000C1 TOIS SIO Original Townsite Lot 16 Block
9.
First Video (AHRS Site #SEW-01118)
213 Fifth Avenue, built 1947; 1,950 square feet. SW0000001 TOIS ROIW SIO Original Townsite South
10' of Lot 13 and North 25' of Lot 14 Block 9.
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According to the current building owners, around 1935 Charles Cooper built a home on one of these.
lots. The lots changed hands in 1938 and ir. 1941 they were sold to Harry Kawabe, a Japanese
businessman who was interned during World War 11 but was able to retain property in Seward. Kawabe
sold the property to the Seward Bills Club (later known as the Elks Club) in 1946. A 1948 Sanborn
map shows only one structure on these lots; a single dwelling house that is located adjacent to the
alleyway. A 1950 aerial photograph shows that the large building expansion has not yet taken place.
By the 1954 Sanborn map, however, a large structure is outlined that covers two lots, includes the
earlier house, extends to front Fifth Avenue and is marked B. P.O.E. (Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks) . The Elks Club owned the lots until February 1956. By 1962 lot owners Robert and
Catheryn Zentmire had moved and incorporated the Fort Raymond Officer' s Club to this lot (the
portion facing Fifth Avenue) , and renamed their business the "Harbor Dinner Club." The rocked
facade was added within a few years. A south addition was added by 1998 (personal communication
from current restaurant owner Candace Norman to NPS employee Judy Kesler, 2003) . The original Harbor
Residence sited near the alley, has been incorporated into the larger building complex (per Pat
Williams communication to NPS employee Judy Kesler, 2003) . Today's appearance is a building complex
consisting of a series of separate structures (approximately 5 structures) that have been joined
together. A second story addition for apartments was added over the back part of the building in
more recent times.
Johnson Property & Cabin (AHRS Site #SEW-01127)
228 Fifth Avenue, built 1942; 1,488 square feet. SW0000001 TOIS ROW S1O Original Town site Lots
34, 35 and South 20' of 36 Block 8. According to tax assessor's records, a log residence was
built on Lot 35 in 1942. The building retains most of its historic windows. The cabin now has a
metal roof and modern doors. Alterations are irreversible.
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C. 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.
This district is not eligible under Criterion C.
D. Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important to Prehistory or history.
This district is not eligible under Criterion D.
Criteria Considerations:
A) owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes
H) removed from its original location
C) a birthplace or a grave
D) a cemetery
E) a reconstructed building, 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)
Exploration/ settlement
Transportation
Period of Significance: 1903-1943 Significant Dates: 1903-1943
Narrative Statement of Significance
From 1903 through 1943, the Seward Commercial Historic District reflected a consistent pattern of
commercial development and use in connection with the town's settlement and transportation history.
Seward served as the principal gateway to all of Interior Alaska during the last two decades of
this time period. For over forty years, the Seward downtown business district offered a variety of
goods and services to meet the customer needs in a frontier town. Changes to the district occurred
following the 1941 fire, which destroyed most of the buildings on the east side of Fourth Avenue.
There was a flurry of rebuilding which lasted until 1943, although several lots continued to remain
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by now married and living or. nearby homesteads. Mary and the children filed for homestead rights
in 1903. Their land would become the core of the Seward of today when Frank aallaine, a developer
from Seattle, purchased Mary Lowell's land for 37 town lots and $4, 300 later in 1903. Ballaine and
his brother John had come to establish a town for the sole purpose of building a railroad to
Fairbanks in Alaska's interior. The Resurrection Bay's year—round ice free port provided a perfect
spot for the construction of a railroad. On August 28, 1903, the Ballaine party of "Thirty—five
passengers, twenty—five employees, fourteen horses, a pile driver, a saw mill and provisions" was
off—loaded at the site.
Town Development
The original town site plat reflected a neatly planned community. The wide streets running east and
west were named after the first five U.S.
Presidents: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. The avenues running north and south
were numbered, beginning with First Avenue on the west side of town. There were 40 city blocks with
alleyways. The 1211 lots each measured 30' wide by 100' long. With the selling of lots, many
businesses began setting up along Fourth Avenue as the clearing of tree stumps continued for this
main passageway.
The business district grew and developed, primarily along Fourth Avenue, because of its location
directly next to Seward's main dock. By 1904, over forty businesses were established in Seward,
including the Brown and Hawkins General Store. Hotels, general stores, restaurants, and bars were
built in one and two-story wood frame buildings here to facilitate the needs of passengers and
shippers as they came in and out of Seward. Some of these buildings had small rooms or apartments,
which accommodated Seward's housing needs. A lumber yard, and later the Brosius and Noon building
supply business, was built near the railroad tracks to facilitate efficient off—loading of supplies.
The Pioneer Bar was built on Fifth, where it remained until 1985. The town included some modern
conveniences such as electricity, as well as indoor plumbing when pipes were laid in the downtown
area by 1906.
Transportation
.he aallaine brothers had promoted the Seward area as an excellent place to conduct business, and
indeed, it grew. However, the Alaska Central Railroad did not. It was bankrupt in just a few years
after only 71 miles of track had been laid. A new company, the Alaska Northern Railway, operated
for a few more years. But when the federal government closed Alaska to coal claims, business dried
up and the railway was effectively abandoned. In 1914 the federal government chose to build its own
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Fires were a problem in many early towns and Seward was no different. A fire in 1916, destroyed the
two—story Daggett building, located along Washington and Fourth, where the current Arcade building
stands today. The 1941 fire, however, brought a significant change to the district as most of the
buildings on the east side of Fourth Avenue burned down. The concrete walls of the McMullin grocery
store are credited with stopping the fire from spreading farther north on the block. A subsequent
fire destroyed most of the buildings or. the west side of Fourth Avenue between Washington and
Railway (the Seward Machine Shop survived) . Several of Seward's business owners immediately set to
rebuilding. By 1943, approximately nine businesses along Fourth Avenue were built which filled in
six of the lots on the east side and three of the lots across the street from the Arcade building.
These buildings were similar in style and in function as to the other businesses within the district
and provided continuity of the commercial district. The streetscape remained largely the same,
although there were more vacant lots on the east side of Fourth Avenue than were prior to the fire.
Additional buildings within the district that were constructed after the fire included the Liberty
Theatre on Adams Street, CJ Pawnshop on Washington, and the Johnson property on Fifth. After the
rebuilding phase, however, construction drastically slowed down as a direct result of an economic
decline. World War 11 facilitated the need for another port, which was built in nearby Whittier in
Prince William Sound. Tunnels were constructed through a mountain, which connected the Whittier
docks to the small railroad town of Portage on Turnagain Arm. It provided a shortcut to Anchorage,
making Seward a less desirable port.
From the later half of the 1940s to 1950 there was a smattering of new construction within the
district including the Buick Apartments on Third and the Harbor Club and First Video on Fifth.
Since 1950, six new buildings have been built on Fourth Avenue. Seward has struggled to adjust to
its changing role, and in recent years has enjoyed tourism as its lifeblood. The downtown commercial
district has changed to accommodate tourism, and most of the businesses now cater to tourists.
Seward enjoys a reputation as one of Alaska's premiere tourist attractions, thanks in great part
to the very attributes Ballaine appreciated about this location over 100 years ago.
9. Major Bibliographical References
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation
sheets.)
Alaska Geographic. The Kenai Peninsula. Vol. 21, Number 2, 1994.
Barry, Mary. Seward Alaska: A History of the Gateway City, Vol. 1, vol. 2, Vol. 3. M. J.Y. Barry,
323 West Harvard Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99503.
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Verbal Boundary Description
The potential historic district is bounded on the north by the north side of Adams Street between
the northeast corner of Third Avenue and the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue. The southern boundary
is Railway Avenue between Fifth Avenue and the southeast corner of Third Avenue. The eastern boundary
is primarily the west side of Fifth Avenue between Railway Avenue and Adams Street, and includes
only three properties (Johnson Property, harbor Dinner Club, and Mai Residence) on the east side of
the block. The east side of Third Avenue, between Railway Avenue and Adams Street, is the western
boundary of the study area.
11. Form Prepared By
Julie L. Johnson
2832 Marion Street
Denver, CO 80205
303.298.0914
Prepared for:
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office 240 W. 5"Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Additional information and editing by:
Janet Clemens, Historian
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office 240 W. 5"Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
907/664-3461
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ARTICLE 4-Historic Preservation Commission
Alaska Certified Local Government
Historic Preservation Program
State Guidelines
A.Purpose.The CI.G program is to:
1. ensure widespread participation of local governments in the national historic preservation program while
maintaining standards consistent with the National Historic Preservation Act and The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation
(http://www.cr.nps.gov/locall aw/arch_stnds_O.htm);
2.enrich,develop,and help maintain local historic preservation programs in cooperation and coordination with the
SHPO;and
3.provide financial and technical assistance for these purposes.
B. Requirements for certification. Local governments are certified when the SHPO and the Secretary of the Interior,
through the National Park Service,certify the local government meets five requirements set out in Federal Regulations(36
CFR 61).The requirements arc:
1.The local government must agree to enforce appropriate state and local legislation for designation and protection
of historic properties.
a The local government will enforce the Alaska Historic Preservation Act whenever appropriate.
b The local government will adopt and enforce a local historic preservation ordinance.
2.The local government must establish an adequate and qualified historic preservation review commission by local
legislation.
a The local government will enact an ordinance establishing the commission. Communities and boroughs with
historical commissions may adapt an existing commission for the CLG program and expand their duties to
include historic preservation responsibilities.The ordinance should direct the commission to meet a minimum
of two times a year,and should define appointment of and terms for members.
b The local government will compose its commission of the following members to the extent feasible:
• 1 architect or historical architect
• 1 archaeologist
• 1 historian
c And at least four other people(for a minimum 7).The membership should include Alaska Natives.
• A local government may be certified without the minimum number or types of disciplines if it can
provide written documentation to the SHPO that it has made a reasonable effort to fill those
positions.
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Appendix H. Summary of Seward Public Forum (April 2014)
Seward Historic Preservation Seward Community Library
239 6th Avenue
Commission Public Forum Seward,Alaiki 99664
Meeting Summary Tuesday—April 22,2014
6:30—9:00 pm Ak
PARTICIPANTS:Tim Robertson,Michelle Prior,John French,Tim"Chops"Morrow,Linda Lasota,Patty
Linville, Sarah Fink, Lee Poleske, Dave Hamner, Shannon Kovac, Valerie Ringsland, Willard Dunhum,
Leah Erickson, and Karen Kurtz
Summary
Review Purpose orate Meedug
This meeting was intended to collect input from the citizens of Seward on what they would like to see in
the revised version of their histonc preservation plan.
Introduction to the}Netting
The Seward Histonc Preservation Commission welcomed forum attendees and stated that since all goals
from the plan created in 1996 had been met,that they were seeking input for an updated plan.The meeting
was turned over to Nuke Research and people introduced themselves and explained their interest in historic
preservation and in Seward.Some are interested in history because they had lived it and others are focused
on preserving it for the next generation.
Describe historic preservanou.
Historic preservation can encompass culture and traditions as well as buildings. It is important to preserve
what is there today because it will be historic in the future,even the new buildings.
Examples of successful preservation regeneration projects in other cities were mentioned, including
Sacramento,California.Communities like this create a linkage to the past that draws people and Seward is
one of the few communities in Alaska that could do this successfully.Tne grid rs something to preserve and
further designating only certain areas to be"historic districts",like 3rd Avenue,would be a mistake
Concerns for Seward
In the last plan,the downtown area was considered fragile and everyone agreed it was still fragile.Moving
the schools outside of the town was cited as a hit to the local community. Lack of housing to suit large
families and allegedly higher taxes in town prevented year round residents from moving in. Summer
residents are vital,but leave empty houses for most of the year and there are fewer people in the schools
aria involved in the town.
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5) The current plan focuses on the following.Check all that are important to you.
o Geography
o Spiritual Structures
o Early Native Influence Sites
o Explorations and Settlement
o Educational and Social
o Military and Government Institutions
o Commerce and Economic
o Recreation Development
o Disasters
o Transportation
o Communications
o Other
6) The Historic Preservation Commission has identified the following areas that may receive greater emphasis in the revised
Historic Preservation Plan.Which one is most important to you?
o Native history, resource and land use
o Commercial fishing
o World War II
o 1964 Good Friday Earthquake o Exxon Valdez spill and impacts
o Other______
7) What value do you place on Seward's historic and archeological properties?(1=low;
5-high) Answer:
8) Considering the current political and economic climate in Seward,select historic preservation assistance that would be most
effective.(You may choose more than one.)
o Local Protective Legislation
o State Protective Legislation
o Local Economic Incentives
o State Economic Incentives
o Private Financial Incentives
o Nonprofit Financial Incentives
o Public Education
9) What are the most pressing challenges to historic preservation in Seward?
10)What,if any,concerns do you have about historic preservation activities in Seward?
11) Please provide any additional comments or information you would like to offer.
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Seward Historic Preservation Commission-2017 Historic Preservation Plan
Publications created with an HPF grant shaU acknowledge support by the National park Service and the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Rearation,Office of
History and Archaeology:Research for this pdslication has been financed in part with federal funds from the Department of the Interior,National Park Service and
through the assistance of the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of History and Archaeology.The antents and opinions expressed do not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Natural Resources,nor does the mentioned trade names or commercial
products constitute endorsement or recommendation?
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