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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01152026 Historic Preservation Packet1963 1965 2005 kintual All-Amenca City 1 I I.. The City of Seward, Alaska HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA City Council Chambers, 410 Adams Street Please silence all cell phones and devices during the meeting Chair Tanguy Libbrecht Vice Chair Sue Ward Commissioner Mary Ann Benoit Commissioner Donna Walker Commissioner Art LeMaster Commissioner Todd Mashlan Museum Curator Allison Stacy City Clerk Kris Peck January 15, 2026, Immediately Following Work Session 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT (Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item.) 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items listed under Item 7. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a commission member requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda. Marked with *.) 6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS A. Proclamations and Awards 1) Seward Historic Register Plaque Awards: Urbach's, Standard Oil House, and Alaska's Point of View B. Proclamation C. City Administration Report D. Chair Report E. Other Reports and Announcements F. Presentations (Presentations are limited to ten minutes each, excluding Q&A, and are limited to two per meeting unless increased by council.) 7. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Preceding Meeting 1)* Approve September 18, 2025, HPC Meeting Minutes pg.3 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Other Items Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Agenda DATE 1 1 P a g e 1) Hoben Park Updates ..pg. 7 2) St. Peter's Updates 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Other New Business 1) Lowell Creek Dolphin DOE Section 106 Report pg. 10 2) Hoben Park Preservation Agreement Review pg. 25 3) Historic Preservation Award Nominations pg. 27 4) Review HPC 2026 Priorities and Meeting Dates pg. 32 10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required.) A. Reminder of Meetings 1) Regular Meeting and Work Session on April 23, 2026 .pg. 32 a. All material will need to be submitted Wednesday, April 8. B. Other Items 1) None 11. CITIZEN COMMENTS (There is no sign in for this comment period. Time is limited to five (5) minutes per speaker.) 12. COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO CITIZEN COMMENTS 13. ADJOURNMENT Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Agenda DATE 2 I P a g e CALL TO ORDER The Thursday, September 18, 2025, regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chair Tanguy Libbrecht at 6:10 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY Vice Chair Sue Ward led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Tanguy Libbrecht, presiding, and Sue Ward Mary Ann Benoit Dona Walker Art LeMaster Todd Mashlan comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Allison Stacy, Museum Curator Kris Peck, City Clerk Excused — Benoit Absent — None Vacant — One CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT — None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Ward/Mashlan) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of January 30, 2025, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Proclamations and Awards Seward Historic Register Plaque Awards: Urbach's, Standard Oil House, and Alaska's Point of View 3 SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS City Administration Report Museum Curator Allison Stacy thanked the Commission for submitting their materials on time. Chair Report Chair Tanguy Libbrecht reported on his walk through Hoben Park earlier today. He was excited about the invigorated historic preservation efforts in the city. Libbrecht noted there was currently vacancy on the commission and encouraged applicants. There was a lot of excitement and really great work being done by the commission. He thanked the City Clerk and Museum Curator for the support. Other Reports and Announcements Historic Preservation Facebook Page Report Stacy reported on Facebook in the absence of Commission Benoit. Stacy said the most popular posts continued to be about Mt. Marathon and the Historic Walking Tour. There was a lot of fun comments and Benoit's posts were very thoughtful. Ward noted page reach, overview, and new followers. These statistics have been steadily increasing over time. Mashlan asked if videos could be shared along with the photos. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Hoben Park Updates Stacy recapped her Hoben Park summary from the work session. She updated the Commission on concrete walls, water damage, corrosion, and the cut-off fencing. The Parks & Recreation Department would be helping with rose bushes, lilacs, a new bench, and a dome to protect the fountain. Stacy and the commission also discussed the history of Hoben Park. It was a team effort to submit the CLG grant that was successfully accepted. St. Peter's Updates Mashlan updated the commission on Letters of Endorsement for the grant being submitted to the Rasmuson Foundation. This would go towards the overall renovation project. Stacy mapped out goals and potential timeline for the St. Peter's renovation. She has been in contact with a cultural resource management firm in Wasilla called True North Solutions. 4 Stacy said Todd Mashlan had several great ideas such as adding a green house, restore interior undercroft, establish a tourist season docent program, becoming a destination shelter house for tsunami warnings, adding security alarms, and installing a new guttering system. Obtaining the Tier 2 Grant from the Rasmuson Foundation was the first goal. Ward confirmed that St. Peter's Church also included the rectory. There were two buildings. Ward noted the three open houses that took place on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. There was a notable increase in visitors, events, and interest in the church. NEW BUSINESS Enhancing the Historic Walking Tour Libbrecht filled in for Benoit on this report. He summarized from her written report in the packet on page 22. The commission discussed Alaska Remote Imaging, enhancing the tour, restoration projects and interiors of houses. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings Regular Meeting and Work Session on Thursday, November 13, 2025 CITIZEN COMMENTS -None COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Peck great to see everyone and each meeting was special. He appreciated all the updates on Hoben Park and St. Peter's. Ward noted preservation efforts that took place in-between the Commission's four designated meetings per year. She gave a shout out to Allison Stacy for being such an excellent grant writer Libbrecht was happy to see everyone. He noted the one vacancy and encouraged applicants to join the exciting and fun Commission. He thanked Laura Erickson for her service on the Commission. Mashlan said Community Choir rehearsals started tonight and he apologized for missing the work session. He asked about designating a historic district and city council involvement and possible reversals. Mashlan was concerned about the rainbow crosswalk being removed in the future. 5 Libbrecht said preservation of walkable murals could be addressed at a future meeting. He noted the Community Development involvement in the permitting process. Stacy thanked everyone for the good meeting. It was nice to see everyone. Ward said there was a lot of excitement about restoring Hoben Park. It could become a tangible accomplishment for the Commission much like the Historic Walking Tour. The City of Seward was very supportive of returning the fun parts of Seward history. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) Tanguy Libbrecht Chair 6 • Hoben Park Restoration Project Updates (Stacy) o Mel Hauze and I met to discuss purchases, priorities, and planting. Behind Xmas Tree Position of Lilac Bushes Position of Rose Bushes ! More Bushes will be planted in Spring 2026 ! 7 Top priority: Steps and a railing Status Update: We need more fencing for Hoben Park, with only 13 railings (90 feet). Left wall can be installed, 40 feet. The remainder can block off bushes? Stormchasers need to weld down/cover spikes. 8 • TO DO o Set up a meeting with Zudy's Owners o Set up a meeting again with Stormchasers to finalize deadline and priorities: remove the spikes, recement left wall. 9 US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District Civil Works Program Site Investigation and Survey Results Determination of Eligibility for Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) Seward, Alaska December 2025 10 USACE Civil Works Program Determination of Eligibility for the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782), Seward, Alaska December 2025 Prepared by: Hollis A. Reddington, MA Tyler J. Teese Environmental Resources Section Hawaii and Alaska Regional Planning Team U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Alaska District P.O. Box 6898 JBER, Alaska 99506-0898 11 Statement of Confidentiality To protect fragile, vulnerable, or threatened cultural sites from disturbance, access to site -specific information from the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (AHRS) database is restricted or confidential. Distribution of those portions of this report that identify the location or character of cultural resources is to be limited to those with a legitimate need to know, such as appropriate personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska State Historic Preservation Office, Tribal entities, and other authorized researchers. Restricted or confidential information is withheld from public records disclosure per Alaska state law (Alaska Statute [AS] 40.25.110) and the Federal Freedom of Information Act (Public Law [PL] 89-554) in accordance with AS 40.25.120(a)(4), Alaska State Parks Policy and Procedure No. 50200, the National Historic Preservation Act (PL 89-665; 54 United States Code [USC] § 300101), and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (PL 96-95, 16 USC § 470hh[a]). 12 Executive Summary The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Alaska District conducted a desktop survey to evaluate the eligibility of the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (54 USC § 306108) and its implementing regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] § 800). SEW-01782 is located in Resurrection Bay off Lowell Creek Road in Seward, Alaska. After applying the National Register Criteria in accordance with 36 CFR § 63, USACE has found that the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) does not meet the requirements of the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. Additionally, the 1964 Earthquake destroyed the facilities that the dolphin was constructed to support, and it lacks most aspects of integrity. USACE has determined that SEW-01782 is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This report was prepared to support project planning and provide relevant cultural resources documentation for the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion Project. In accordance with 36 CFR § 800.4(c)(2), USACE requests concurrence with this determination of eligibility from the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer. 13 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Historical Background 2 3.0 Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) 3 3.1 The Railroad Dolphin Today 5 4.0 Considerations of National Register Criteria 6 4.1 Application of National Register Criteria 7 5.0 Conclusion 8 6.0 References 9 List of Figures Figure 1. Overview of Seward, Alaska and location of the Railroad Dolphin 1 Figure 2. Alaska Railroad dock, Seward, 1945 (Hans and Margaret Hafemeister papers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Archives and Manuscripts Department) 3 Figure 3. Dolphin (circled in red) and surrounding area just prior to 1964 earthquake (Lemke, 1967). 4 Figure 4. Good Friday Earthquake damage to old Alaska Railroad Dock and facilities. (U.S. Army 1964) 5 Figure 5. Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) (USAGE 2024). 6 14 1.0 Introduction Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (formerly 16 USC § 470, now 54 USC § 300101 et seq.) and its implementing regulations [36 CFR § 800] require all Federal agencies to make a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within an undertaking's area of potential effect [36 CFR § 800.4(b)]. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the historic significance of a pre-1945 Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) in preparation for future undertakings associated with the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion Project. The dolphin is located in Resurrection Bay off Lowell Creek Road, south of Seward, Alaska (Section 9, T1S, R1W, USGS Quad A-7, Seward Meridian; Figure 1). Lowell Creek Flood Diversion N Project 0 0.13 0.25 0.5 Miles i i i 1 i Dolphin Figure 1. Overview of Seward, Alaska and location of the Railroad Dolphin. 15 2.0 Historical Background Seward is located on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula, on Resurrection Bay in the Kenai Fjords area. The area was historically "thinly inhabited" due to the "dearth of salmon streams, the scarcity of suitable sites for villages, and the difficulty of coastwise navigation [in addition to] glacial advances and catastrophic earthquakes [which] may have depopulated the coast periodically" (Catton 2010:11). The earliest known occupation of the nearby Prince William Sound is estimated to have been around 4,000 years ago (Langdon 2002). Seward is in the traditional territory of the Unegkurmiut Alutiiq peoples. The earliest known contact between the Indigenous people of Resurrection Bay and Euroamerican outsiders occurred in the 1780s, when Russian fur traders first entered the region (Stanek 2004). In 1793, Aleksandr Baranov established a fort and ship -building site in Voskresenskaia, or Resurrection, Harbor at the head of Resurrection Bay (Trepal 2010). The Lowell family settled in the area that would become the town of Seward in 1884 (Seward Historical Commission 2004). Alfred Lowell staked unsuccessful prospects near Seward before abandoning his wife, Mary Lowell, and family and moving to Kodiak Island. With the discovery of coal fields in Matanuska Valley and gold in Fairbanks in 1903, John Ballaine and his new company, the Alaska Central Railroad, purchased Mary Lowell's homestead in 1903 to construct a railroad from Resurrection Bay to the north. At the time, the Lowell homestead was the only private land in the area. The Alaska Central Railroad, established the Seward townsite at the former homestead, naming it for Secretary of State William H. Seward who was instrumental in the 1867 Treaty of Cession. The Alaska Central Railway built the first 50 miles of track leading north from Seward, before reorganizing as the Alaska Northern Railway Company in 1910. For the first decade of the twentieth century, Seward's economy focused almost entirely on the development of the Alaska Railroad (Cook and Norris 1998; ARRC n.d). The Alaska Northern Railway Company extended the railroad another 21 miles to Kern Creek before going into receivership. The federal government took over the effort and continued construction of the railroad to Fairbanks, restarting construction in 1915 and moving the railroad headquarters from Seward to Anchorage. A leading goal was to connect Alaskan ports with the Matanuska coalfields that could supply U.S. Navy ships. The railroad continued to serve federal goals until its sale to the State of Alaska in 1985 (Lethcoe and Lethcoe 2001; Jennings 2017; ARRC n.d). In addition to the focus on railroad construction, like most of Alaska, Seward was also the site of gold prospecting. In 1907, A.C. Gould, Charles F. Hewitt, and F.J. Conner identified the gold -bearing Northern Light claims Nos. 1 and 2 just south of Seward (Martin et al. 1915). By 1909, they had excavated a 40-foot adit tunnel (Grant and Higgins 1909:100, 107). The prospectors deeded the claim to Herbert Tozier in 1911, and had excavated two additional adits by 1912 (Martin et al. 1915). The first fish processing plant, a salmon saltery, opened in Seward in 1911; however, it quickly ceased operations (Cook and Norris 1998). More small, local salteries opened 16 and quickly closed around Resurrection Bay in the following years. The successful San Juan Fishing and Packing Company opened on Jefferson Street in 1917. The plant fostered an independent Seward fishing industry by offering to process other fishermen's salmon in addition to San Juan's own catch. The San Juan Fishing and Packing Company moved to Evans Bay in 1924. Additional canneries operating in Seward included the Kodiak Island Fishing and Packing Company (1922-1924), Seward Fisheries, Incorporated (1929-1935), and Hagen & Company (1937-1946) (Alaska Historical Society n.d.). The fishing industry attracted so many new boats to the community that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a small boat harbor in Seward in 1932 (USACE 1998). 3.0 Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) It is unknown exactly when the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) was constructed. Based on its location, it was likely built to support the railroad, allowing vessels to tie up in preparation to unload goods onto the rail system. The Alaska Central Railroad built the original Alaska Railroad dock in 1903; however, it was expanded sometime in the 1930s or 1940s (Trepal et al. 2010; ARRC 2024). It is likely that the dolphin was built during this expansion of the Alaska Railroad dock (Figure 2). Figure 2. Alaska Railroad dock, Seward, 1945 (Hans and Margaret Hafemeister papers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Archives and Manuscripts Department). 17 In addition to freight, the Alaska Railroad docks also facilitated the delivery of mail through a contract between the railroad, the Alaska Steamship Company, and the U.S. Post Office (Yates 1953:5, 15-16). The Railroad charged for use of docks and related services, with private contractors like the Northern Stevedoring & Handling Corporation providing longshoring services for customers. Duane LeVan, a longshoreman in Seward in the mid -twentieth century, was an Alaska Railroad employee until Northern Stevedoring & Handling Corporation contracted him as an employee circa 1947, when the company incorporated. Northern Stevedoring longshoremen worked on the Alaska Railroad dock, its auxiliary dock, and the Army dock (LeVan and LeVan 2010). The dolphin continued to support the railroad until the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964 almost completely destroyed the Alaska Railroad dock, the auxiliary dock, and its warehouse (Lemke 1964:E13; Figures 3 and 4). Duane LeVan remembered that Northern Stevedoring had fortunately laid off all but one longshoreman prior to the day of the earthquake, so only one man was working the dock during it (LeVan and LeVan 2010). Figure 3. Dolphin (circled in red) and surrounding area just prior to 1964 earthquake (Lemke, 1967). 18 Figure 4. Good Friday Earthquake damage to old Alaska Railroad Dock and facilities. (U.S. Army 1964). 3.1 The Railroad Dolphin Today The dolphin is a semicircular structure constructed of cement, gravel, wood, and steel. It measures 33 feet (ft) 6 inches (in) north to south and 32 ft 8 in east to west. The maximum height is 12 ft on the east (ocean) side. The minimum height is 4 ft 10 in on the west (shore) side. The total circumference of the dolphin is 111 ft 5 in. The northern, southern, and western sides are covered by a steel sheet pile with robust thumb -and - finger interlocks at each end. Behind the sheet pile is a layer of gravels. The southern side is covered by a cement casing with wooden beams bolted to it. The top of the dolphin is gravel with a cement square in the center. A steel mooring point is bolted into the cement. Modern graffiti is present on all vertical cement surfaces (Figure 5). 19 Figure 5. Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) (USACE 2024). The dolphin is not connected to anything; it no longer has the board walk that was connected to it while the railroad dock was in use (see Figure 3 above). Following the 1964 Earthquake, much of the railroad facilities suffered catastrophic damage (see Figure 4 above). The dolphin no longer serves its original purpose, largely because the sedimentation from Lowell Creek has modified the shoreline and the dolphin is dry during low tide. Today the dolphin sits on Waterfall Beach and is the subject of vandalism, including modern graffiti. 4.0 Considerations of National Register Criteria Cultural properties (districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects) may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) if they meet one or more of the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. The criteria listed in 36 CFR § 60.4 are: A. Events. Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history. B. Persons. Association with the lives of persons significant in the past. C. Design or Construction. Embodies the distinctive characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction, representing the work of a master, possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction. 20 D. Information potential. Yielded or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. If a property is eligible for the NRHP under Criterion A, it should retain the essential physical features "that made up its character or appearance during the period of its association with the important event" (National Park Service [NPS] 1997:46). And while design and workmanship may not be as vital, the integrity of location, setting, materials, feeling, and association should be retained (NPS 1997:48). If a property is eligible for the NRHP under Criterion B, the property must be "associated with individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented" (NPS 1997:14). Additionally, "a property is not eligible under Criterion B if it is associated with an individual about whom no scholarly judgement can be made because either research has not revealed specific information about the person's activities and their impact, or there is insufficient perspective to determine whether those activities or contributions were historically important" (NPS 1997:15). If a property is eligible for the NRHP under Criterion C, the structure "must retain most of the physical features that constitute that style or technique" (NPS 1997:46). If it has lost the majority of the features that characterized its style, then the property is not eligible. Under Criterion C, the integrity of design, workmanship, and materials are usually more important than location, setting, feeling, and association (NPS 1997:48). If a property is eligible for the NRHP under Criterion D, the integrity of the structure "is based upon the property's potential to yield specific data that addresses important research questions" (NPS 1997:46). The National Park Service (1997:49) recommends that evaluation of integrity under Criterion D focus "primarily on the location, design, materials, and perhaps workmanship" of the site. A property is not eligible for the NRHP if the physical remains have been "looted or otherwise disturbed to the extent that the remaining cultural materials have lost their important deposition context (horizontal or vertical location of deposits)" (NPS 1997:23). As outlined in 36 CFR § 60.4, to be considered eligible for the NRHP a property must retain sufficient integrity to convey its significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. There are seven aspects of integrity — location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The property must also convey its historic identity through retention of essential physical features. Essential physical features enable the property to convey its historic identity; the features represent why and when a property was significant. 4.1 Application of National Register Criteria The initial step in the NRHP evaluation process, as laid out in the How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation (NPS 1997), is to categorize the property being evaluated. The Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) is a structure associated with the Alaska 21 Railroad from c. the 1950s until 1964 under the local historic context of post -WWII Alaska Railroad transportation. Criterion A: Association with Significant Events To be considered for listing under Criterion A, a property "must be associated with one or more events important in the defined historic context" (NPS 1997:12). While the dolphin is likely associated with historical trends during the development of the Alaska Railroad, the association is not clear and it is therefore not individually significant under Criterion A. Criterion B: Association with Lives of Significant Persons To be considered for listing under Criterion B, a property must be "associated with individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented" (NPS 1997:14). A general archival records and web -based search was conducted, but no records on the actual construction or use of the dolphin were identified. The dolphin is not known to be associated with any historically important individual, therefore it is not significant under Criterion B Criterion C: Distinctive Characteristics of a Type, Period, or Method of Construction To be considered for listing under Criterion C, a property must "embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; represent the work of a master; possess high artistic value; or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction" (NPS 1997:17). The dolphin is of a standard design that is still employed today. It does not embody a distinctive or masterful method of construction, and is therefore not significant under Criterion C. Criterion D: Potential to Yield Important Information in Prehistory or History To be considered for listing under Criterion D, a property must have the potential to answer "important research questions about human history [that] can only be answered by the actual physical material of cultural resources" (NPS 1997:21). Further investigation of the dolphin is unlikely to yield important information. The dolphin is not significant under Criterion D. 5.0 Conclusion This report describes the results of an investigation and survey of the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) in support of future planning associated with the Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel. Following 36 CFR § 63, USAGE has applied the National Register Criteria to the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) to determine whether it is eligible for listing in the NRHP. USAGE has determined that the structure does not meet any of the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. As the dolphin was not found to be significant under the National Register Criteria, a formal evaluation of whether it has sufficient integrity to 22 convey its significance was not conducted. In accordance with 36 CFR § 800.4(c)(2), USACE requests the SHPO's concurrence on the determination that the Railroad Dolphin (SEW-01782) is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 6.0 References Alaska Historical Society n.d. Lewis MacDonald's Alaska Salmon Cannery Chronology, 1878-1950. Electronic document, https://alaskahistoricalsociety.org/about-ahs/special- projects/alaska-historic-canneries-initiative/alaska-salmon-cannery-chronology/, accessed December 23, 2024. Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) n.d. Alaska Railroad: A Legend Over 90 Years in the Making, 1903-2013. Electronic document, https://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/history, accessed September 16, 2025. 2024. Memorandum from Elizabeth Greer, Program Manager ARRC Docks and Slips, subject: Seward Passenger Dock Pier— History. January 1, 2024. Catton, Theodore 2010. A Fragile Beauty: An Administrative History of Kenai Fjords National Park. National Park Service. Cook, Linda, and Frank Norris 1998 A Stern and Rock -Bound Coast: Kenai Fjords National Park Historic Resource Study. National Park Service. Grant, U.S., and D.F. Higgins 1909 Notes on the Geology and Mineral Prospects in the Vicinity of Seward, Kenai Peninsula. In Mineral Resources of Alaska: Report on Progress of Investigations in 1908, by Alfred H. Brooks and others, pp. 98-107. Washington D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office. Jennings, Barton 2017 Alaska Railroad: History through the Miles. TechScribes, Inc., Avon, Illinois. Langdon, Steve J. 2002. The Native People of Alaska: Traditional Living in a Northern Land. Greatland Graphics, Anchorage. Lemke, Richard W. 1964 Effects of the Earthquake of March 27, 1964, at Seward, Alaska. Geological Survey Professional Paper 542-E. Washington D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office. Lethcoe, Jim and Nancy Lethcoe 2001 A History of Prince William Sound, Alaska. New Revised 2nd Edition. Prince William Sound Books, Valdez.LeVan, Duane, and Sanna LeVan 2010 Duane and Sanna LeVan, Part 1. Interview. Exit Glacier Project Jukebox: Kenai Fjords National Park. Electronic document, https://jukebox.uaf.edu/interviews/538, accessed December 26, 2024. Martin, G.C., B.L. Johnson, and U.S. Grant 1915 Geology and Mineral Resources of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin No. 587. Washington D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office. 23 National Park Service (NPS) 1997 How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, National Register Bulletin No. 15. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Seward Historic Preservation Commission 2004 Seward History: Community History and Character. Electronic document, http://www.cityofseward.net/hpc/seward_history/, accessed December 26, 2024. Stanek, Ronald T. 2004. Suqpiat of the Lower Kenai Peninsula Coast. Alaska Park Science 3(2):17-21. Trepal, Dan, Jeremy Karchut, Sharon Kim, and Shannon Kovac 2010. A Slice of Early Seward: How Archeology Provides a Glimpse into Daily Life in this Frontier Town. National Park Service. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1946 Lowell Creek Flood Control Works, Seward, Alaska. Operations and Maintenance Manual. Office of the District Engineer, Seattle District. 1998 Harbor Improvements Final Interim Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment, Seward, Alaska. Office of the District Engineer, Alaska District. Yates, Frank L. 1953 Report on Survey and Review of Operations of the Alaska Railroad for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1952. Washington D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office. 24 PRESERVATION AGREEMENT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND PROJECT: Hoben Park This Agreement pertains to the historic property listed below, and the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant listed below, which was provided through the State of Alaska from the National Park Service. PROPERTY INFORMATION GRANT INFORMATION Owner Name on Deed: City of Seward HPF Grant Number: CLG 24007 Property Name: Hoben Park HPF Grant Award Amount: $24,000.00 Property Address: 401 Railway Avenue Preservation Agreement Term: 5 years City, State, Zip: Seward, Alaska 99664 National Register Number: 06000515 This agreement is between the State of Alaska, by and through the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Office of History & Archaeology (OHA), hereinafter referred to as "State"; and the Owner of the property, hereinafter referred to as "Owner" (collectively referred to as the "Parties". This agreement is related to the property described above, which is hereinafter referred to as the "Property." The Property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Parties have entered into a Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant agreement related to the Property, which is incorporated herein, along with all of its attachments, by this reference. Owner hereby agrees to the following for the term of the Agreement. 1. The Owner is responsible for the continued maintenance and repair of the Property to preserve its architectural, historical or archaeological integrity and to protect the qualities that made the Property eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 2. The Owner agrees that no visual or structural alterations (excluding routine maintenance and painting) will be made to the Property without prior written permission of the State. These alterations include, but are not limited to window replacement, changing door or window opening, structural work, siding material replacement, etc. 3. The Owner agrees that the State, its agents and designees shall have the right to inspect the Property at all reasonable times in order to ascertain whether or not the conditions of this agreement are being observed. 4. The Owner agrees that if the Property is not clearly visible from a public right-of-way or includes interior work assisted with Historic Preservation Fund grants, the Property will be open to the public, for the purpose of viewing the grant -assisted work, no less than 12 days a year and at other times by appointment. Notification will be published in newspapers of general circulation in the community area of the Property giving dates and times when the Property will be open. 25 Documentation of such notice will be furnished annually to the SHPO during the term of the Preservation Agreement. Nothing in this Preservation Agreement will prohibit the Owner from charging a reasonable, nondiscriminatory admission fee, comparable to fees charged at similar facilities in the area. 5. The Owner agrees to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 200(d)), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794) in completing the grant funded project. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or handicap. In implementing public access, reasonable accommodation to qualified handicapped persons will be made in consultation with the SHPO. This agreement shall be enforced in specific performance by a court of competent jurisdiction. Enforcement may include, but is not limited to, restoration of the alteration or repayment of grant funds to the State. In the event of a conflict between this Preservation Agreement and the incorporated Grant Agreement, the language in the document with the highest precedence shall control. The precedence of each of the documents is as follows, listed from highest precedence to lowest precedence: the main Grant Agreement without Attachments, this Preservation Agreement. Owner Name and Contact Information: Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Email Address: Telephone: Signature: Date: State of Alaska: Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Office of History and Archaeology 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1310 Anchorage, AK 99501 Staff Contact: patty.rlay@alaska.gov or 907-269-8692 Signature: Date: Sarah Meitl, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer 26 2024/2025 SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD NOMINATION FORM Please submit nomination form to the City Clerk: Person you are nominating for this award: (self -nominations are acceptable) Name: /<ev 4V'a WO' V`(OcA.) Nominee's contributions towards historic preservation in the community of Seward: Please check all the applicable boxes listed below and include a brief description of the nominee's contributions. (You may use the back of this form) ❑ Survey and inventory work of historic architectural and archaeological resources in the community. Development and submission of National Register of Historic Places nominations for properties within the community. Contribution towards education of citizens regarding local historic preservation and community history. Research and documentation of the history of the community of Seward. Publications about the history of the community of Seward. Reconstruction and restoration work towards historic preservation in the community. Curatorial, historical records, photo collections, or museum contributions which contribute to the community's historic heritage. Organization of historical records for easy reference for others to gain a better understanding of Seward's historic heritage. ❑ Contributions towards historic preservation planning. ❑ Oral history contributions towards preserving Seward's historic heritage. ❑ Progress towards having a climate controlled centralized historic collection in Seward. ❑ Any other contributions related to historic preservation (please explain). Nominee has been notified of nomination: Yes 0 No 4I 7 Nominee contact info: Phone: 53 't 8 Submitted by: al r£31 6, S boo (e( E-Mail: Kend sac WcprIO W iti(ti I o C©l41 Phone: ?(�% —� Zvi — Ste 2 0 For more information, contact the City Clerk's office at 907-224-4046 or clerk@cityofseward.net There is no deadline for this nomination. All nominations will be considered at the April meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. 27 October 18, 2025 I nominate Kendra Warlow for the Seward Historic Preservation Award for her outstanding volunteer work in support of Seward's WWII history, Fort McGilvray's legacy, and founder of a new non-profit Friends of Caines Head State Recreation Area. Kendra Warlow signed on as a volunteer for Alaska State Parks at Caines Head State Recreation Area in early summer 2025. Over the summer, she proved to be a "volunteer extraordinaire." Out in the park, she guided hikes and gave interpretive history tours of Battery 293 (the Fort), and the Fort McGilvray Historic District to visitors and provided special programs for the Seward Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp and Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Coastal Connections Kids Camp. In her "spare" time, Kendra created a Friends of Caines Head State Park Facebook group, recruited board members, completed the daunting 501c3 paperwork, filed the paperwork, obtained the EIN number, and made the long -wished for Friends group a reality. Passionate about history and WWII, she dove into the museum's historic newspaper collection, and digitized Fort McGilvray's South Beach Sourdough weekly newsletters from the 1940s. Kendra researched the 250th and 267th Coast Artillery Battalion, collecting historical documents, maps, photographs, slides, letters, films, and more. Her work culminated in a community celebration of "Seward's WW II history and Fort McGilvray's Legacy" on September 13, 2025, which she organized and coordinated with the Seward Community Library & Museum, the Seward Community Library Association, and Alaska State Parks. The public packed the Seward Community Library and Museum Community Room, many dressed in 1940s finery, including Kendra as host and speaker Jack Sinclair, retired Alaska State Parks Superintendent. Jack shared memories of developing the then brand-new Caines Head State Recreation Area and uncovering Fort McGilvray from the wilderness shrouding the Fort after it was abandoned in 1943. The US Army Corps of Engineers' 1941 once top-secret silent color film of the building of Fort McGilvray was shown to the amazement of all. Kenda presented her passion project, a keynote presentation, "The Story of the 267th Coast Artillery Battalion and Fort McGilvray", and launched her major project, an interactive and educational map of Fort McGilvray where users can virtually walk the Fort Trail and learn what was/is there based on original declassified maps, WWII photos, South Beach Sourdough newspapers, and three hours of recorded interviews with the veterans of the 267th Coast Artillery Battalion. 1 28 A limited reproduction run of historic US Army sweatshirts worn by the men at South Beach were sold at the event in support of the Friends group. Afterwards, the celebration continued with a fundraiser 3-course historically accurate 1940s dinner in partnership with the Flamingo Lounge and Seward Community Library Association to support the Friends of Caines Head State Recreation Area. Wearing her historic South Beach sweatshirt, Kenda also presented "We Take Dares, The Story of the 267th Coast Artillery Battalion and Fort McGilvray" via Zoom at the September 25, 2025 Alaska State Historical Society Conference, and networked with the founder of the Alaska Military History Association who shared more photos of the military at Caines Head. Link to her 20-minute presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXE8SNxj5Ho at 59:32. Kendra is not done and plans to continue her research into the history of the Fort McGilvray Historic District when she returns next summer. This "volunteer extraordinaire" has certainly earned the Seward Historic Preservation Award. We thank her for her incredible work on behalf of Alaska State Parks, veterans, and the Seward community. Submitted by Carol Griswold, c_griz@yahoo.com 2 29 2024/2025 SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD NOMINATION FORM Please submit nomination form to the City Clerk: Person you are nominating for this award: (self -nominations are acceptable) Name: al j ci'\C e_ t iU r Me i Stt? 1r Nominee's contributions towards historic preservation in the community of Seward: Please check all the applicable boxes listed below and include a brief description of the nominee's contributions. (You may use the back of this form) sc)e Survey and inventory work of historic architectural and archaeological resources in the community. Development and submission of National Register of Historic Places nominations for properties within the community. Contribution towards education of citizens regarding local historic preservation and community history. )i( Research and documentation of the history of the community of Seward. ❑ Publications about the history of the community of Seward. ❑ Reconstruction and restoration work towards historic preservation in the community. ❑ Curatorial, historical records, photo collections, or museum contributions which contribute to the community's historic heritage. ❑ Organization of historical records for easy reference for others to gain a better understanding of Seward's historic heritage. ❑ Contributions towards historic preservation planning. ❑ Oral history contributions towards preserving Seward's historic heritage. ❑ Progress towards having a climate controlled centralized historic collection in Seward. ❑ Any other contributions related to historic preservation (please explain). Nominee has been notified of nomination: ki Yes ❑ No qb7-22y-3y 3v o-K Nominee contact info: Phone:Q61-y22-7t5( E-Mail: VYI►Choe(eistei6:9a(aS'kQ'(VV Submitted by:Ca I vj s W o Phone: ciO ' 7 - 22-t/-j eeaC For more information, contact the City Clerk's office at 907-224-4046 or clerk@cityofseward.net There is no deadline for this nomination. All nominations will be considered at the April meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. 30 October 18, 2025 I nominate Michael Burmeister for the Seward Historic Preservation Award for his outstanding work on the Fort McGilvray Historic District nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. On December 27, 2022, seventy-nine years after Fort McGilvray was decommissioned, the Fort McGilvray Historic District was officially recognized as a significant historic site on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in Caines Head State Recreation Area about 7 miles south of Seward, the defensive military fortification played a key part in the Seward Harbor Defense Network from 1941-1943 during World War II. It was built to protect and defend the strategic ice -free port of Seward against a possible Japanese invasion. After years on the Alaska State Parks Seward Area Citizen Advisory Board's list of goals and many failed attempts, local Park Technician 1 Michael Burmeister tackled the massive project, coordinated archeological surveys and research, assisted in mapping the site, wrote the extensive nomination, and shepherded it to fruition. Without Michael's efforts, the impressive historic site and its remarkable history might have continued to fade into the past. In addition, Michael assisted Kendra Warlow, 2025 VIP, (Volunteer in the Park), with her research in the Fort McGilvray Historic District. The spotlight resulted in a new focus and community celebration of Seward's WWII history and the legacy of Fort McGilvray on September 13, 2025 in collaboration with Alaska State Parks, the Resurrection Bay Historical Society, the new Friends of Caines Head State Recreation Area, and the Seward Community Library and Museum. New educational exhibits at the site and in the Seward Museum, trail improvements, and trail signage are in the works to continue the legacy of Fort McGilvray. Whether pen in hand or a pulaski, Michael will be there working to improve the visitor experience and protect the cultural resources at the Fort McGilvray Historic District. Thank you, Michael! Submitted by Carol Griswold, c_griz@yahoo.com 31 _ 2026 Historic Priorities and Preservation Meeting Commission Schedule Updated on 1/7/2026 DATES WS-MTG Business Priorities Results Jan. 5 HPC MATERIAL DEADLINE: Turnover to Admin. 15-Jan WS - Community Development Presentation on Comprehensive Plan - Plan, reflect, & discuss successful completion/growth of HPC by 2030 MTG Facebook Page Report; Approve September Meeting Minutes; Share Historic Register Plaque Awards; Hoben Park Updates; St. Peter's Updates; Historic Preservation Award Nominations; Review and Confirm HPC 2026 Meeting Dates & Priorities - Plan & Coordinate completion of Hoben Park Update - Admin to begin 2025 CLG Report - Upload new Social Posts and Engagement via Facebook Apr. 8 HPC MATERIAL DEADLINE: Turnover to Admin. 23-Apr WS Plan for Hoben Park Event Discuss Updates/Final Adjustments for Hoben Park 32 MTG - Facebook Report; Discuss Hoben Park Updates; St. Peter's Updates; Approve January 2025 Minutes - Updates on CLG Movements, Any Ongoing or Potential Grants SUMMER No Work Session or Meeting Hiatus Aug. 5 HPC MATERIAL DEADLINE: Turnover to Admin. 20-Aug WS Final plans and completion of Hoben Park Restoration Project MTG Approve April Minutes; Facebook Page Report; Hoben Park Summary; St. Peter's Updates - Ongoing Grant Project Updates Nov. 18 HPC MATERIAL DEADLINE: Turnover to Admin. 3-Dec WS - Draft 2027 HPC Priorities and Meetings MTG -Approve August Minutes -Finalize and select 2026 CLG Project - Work on Annual Report 33