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Home My WebLink About03242006 Historic Preservation Packet Seward Historic Preservation Commission March 24, 2006 Special Meeting 12:00 noon City Council Chambers Shannon Kovac Chair Term Expires 05/07 Tom Swann Vice-Chair Term Expires 05/07 Michaela Walker-Hettinger Commissioner Term Expires 05/08 Greg Carpenter Commissioner Term Expires 5/06 James Rowell Commissioner Term Expires 05/08 Valerie Park Commissioner Term Expires 05/06 Shannon Huber Commissioner Term Expires 5/06 6. Clark Corbridge City Manager Malcolm Brown Planner Donna Glenz Planning Assistant 1. Call to Order 2. Opening Ceremony A. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Special Reports A. City Administration Report 5. Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items Not Scheduled for Public Hearing and Other Items Not Included on the Agenda. [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item] Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.) Historic Preservation Commission March 24,2006 Special Meeting Agenda Page 1 7. Public Hearings [Limit comments to 5 minutes. Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak] None 8. Unfmished Business - None 9. New Business A. Resolution 2006-04 approving the forwarding of the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and action............. ............... ............ .... ............ ............ .... ............ ........ .......... ........ Page 3 10. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) None 11. Commission Comments 12. Citizens' Comments [Limit to 5 minutes per individual - Each individual has one opportunity to speak] 13. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments 14. Adjournment Historic Preservation Commission March 24, 2006 Special Meeting Agenda Page 2 Sponsored by: Staff CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2006-04 Resolution 2006-04 approving the forwarding of the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and action WHEREAS, throughout its ::I: 80 year history the park located at 401 Railway Avenue has been referred to by many different names including: Hoben Park, Arcade Park, Nile Park and Ladies Park; and WHEREAS, by Seward City Council Resolution 1995-044 the park was officially named Hoben Park, in recognition of Seward former businessman and mayor Hedley "Harry" V. Hoben; and WHEREAS, oral and written history documents that Hedley "Harry" V. Hoben, was responsible for the park's existence by providing for the construction and maintenance of the lot; and WHEREAS, the park has been identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; and WHEREAS, the Alaska Historical Commission will review the National Register of Historic Places Nomination for Hoben Park at its Spring 2006 meeting, on March 30 and 31, 2006. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission that: Section 1. The Commission hereby approves the forwarding of the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and action. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 3 Seward Historic Preservation Commission Resolution 2006-04 Page 2 PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Historic Preservation Commission this 24th day of March 2006. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Tom Swann, Vice-Chair AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Jean Lewis, CMC City Clerk (City Seal) Lj Historic Preservation Agenda Statement Meeting Date: March 24, 2006 To: Historic Preservation Commission Malcolm Brown, Planner r<<.4-~ Donna Glenz, Planning Assistant Through: From: Agenda Item: Approving the forwarding of the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and action BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: For a number of years the Seward Historic Preservation Commission has worked to nominate Hoben Park to the National Register of Historic Places. More recently the Commission, the State of Alaska Office of History and Archaeology, and Staff have worked together to complete the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination form. The completed nomination form has been presented to the Commission to review and approve for submittal to the Alaska Historical Commission for their review and action. The Alaska Historical Commission is scheduled to convene on March 30 and 31, 2006 and the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination form is on their agenda for review and action. Following the review and recommendation of the Alaska Historical Commission the nomination form will be forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C. for review and, hopefully, listing. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution 2006-04, forwarding the Hoben Park National Register of Historic Places Nomination to the Alaska Historical Commission for review and action. ~ 6 OMB No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United states Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. =========================================================================== ========================================================================-=~ 1. Name of Property historic name Hoben Park other names/site number Arcade Park, Nile Park, Ladies Park AHRS Site No. SEW-00662 ======================================================================== -~ =========================================================================== 2. Location street & number 401 Railway Avenue not for publication n/a city or town Seward vicinity n/a state Alaska code AK county Kenai Peninsula code 122 zip code 99664 ~ USDI/NPS NRHP Registration For.m Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 2 =========================================================================== 3. State/Federal Agency Certification =========================================================================== As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination request for deter.mination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professiona1 requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property X meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant nationally statewide X locally. ( See continuation sheet for additional comment~ Signature of certifying official Date Alaska State or Federal agency and bureau =========================================================================== In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ( ___ See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau ========================================================================--== 4. National Park Service Certification =========================================================================== I, hereby certify that this property is: entered in the National Register See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register removed from the National Register other (explain): Signature of Keeper Date of Action 1 USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- =========================================================================== 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) private X public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property (Check only one box) building(s) district X site structure object Number of Resources within Property 1 Noncontributing buildings sites structures objects o Total Contributing 1 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register n/a Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) n/a f USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 4 =========================================================================== 6. Function or Use =========================================================================== Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Cat: landscape Sub: park Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Cat: landscape Sub: park =========================================================================== 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) n/a =========================================================================== Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation n/a roof n/a walls--n7a other n/a Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Hoben Park is a small tract of land in downtown Seward owned by the city. Resurrection Bay and a sidewalk are to the south. The Alaska SeaLife Center is to the west, Railway Avenue is to the north, and the old Alaska Railroad depot (listed in the National Register, July 16, 1987) is to the east. The south side of the park is 240 feet long, the north side is 218 feet long, the east side is 45 feet long, and the west side is 50 feet long. The park, created in 1923, had a decorative wrought iron and concrete fence on the north and west sides, with a concrete pedestal at each corner. The northeast corner had a tall, tapered concrete column. This column had a hanging lamp at the top and a ball-shaped finial. The north wall had a gated opening with a step leading down to the park. The east side of the park had a wire fence with a wood trellis and the south side had a wire fence along with a hedge and lilac bushes. A circular pool originally had a bowl shaped fountain, which was replaced with a pedestal fountain in the early 1930s. Large concrete flower planters, benches, and several birdhouses were in the park. It had rose bushes and a well-manicured lawn. A poplar tree, original to the park, has matured and is near the middle of the park's south boundary. Today the west side has the original concrete wall and pedestals. The iron fence has been removed. A poured concrete wall similar to the original has replaced the north wall. The current north wall is six feet south of the original. The concrete column at the northeast corner has been removed. In place of the gated opening and step is an opening flanked by pedestals. The wire fences have been removed. The old railroad depot is to the east q USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 5 =========================================================================== where it has stood since 1928. There is a sidewalk on the south side of the park. The park has several trees and bushes. The city of appearance. wall on top poplar tree fountain. Seward has started restoring the park to its historic Three fluted lampposts have been installed along the north of the concrete pedestals. The ground has been leveled and the has been manicured. Plans include installing a replica 10 USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 6 =========================================================================== 8. Statement of Significance =========================================================================== Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qual~fying~he property for National Register listing) x A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. B C D Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) n/a A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. B removed from its original location. C a birthplace or a grave. D a cemetery. E a reconstructed buildingl object, or structure. F a commemorative property. G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) landscape architecture Period of Significance 1923-1948 Significant Dates 1923 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) n/a Cultural Affiliation n/a Architect/Builder n/a /1 USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 7 =========================================================================== Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Hoben Park is important forlts association with the City of Seward's promotion of itself as the "Gateway to Alaska" to attract visitors to the town. The City of Seward completed the park in time for President Warren G. Harding's visit on July 13, 1923. Harding was the first U.S. President to visit Alaska. He came to drive in the golden spike signaling completion of the 470 mile government-built Alaska Railroad that connected the year- round ice free port at Seward and the interior hub-city of Fairbanks. Seward residents expected the railroad to bring more visitors to their town. The park was located by the main dock and near the railroad depot to be enjoyed by travelers arriving by train or by sea. The period of significance starts with the park's creation in 1923 and ends when Harry V. Hoben, for whom the park is now named, died in 1948 and regular maintenance of the park ceased for a period of years. Historic background In 1923 the Seward City Council discussed downtown beautification projects. They were considering two parcels of government owned land near the dock "to make an ornamental park area so visitors would find a pleasant scene when arriving by ship or train" (Seward Gateway, 1923,16). Businessmen Harry V. Hoben and Ai Davis, who owned Alaska Transfer Company, leased the land to the east of the city's main dock. The land was leveled, lawn and trees planted, and a fountain installed in April 1923. The park, initially called Arcade Park, was completed in time for President Warren G. Harding's arrival in Seward on July 13, 1923. Harding was the first U.S. President to visit Alaska. While in Seward, Harding walked around town and chatted with residents. The park is named for Harry V. Hoben (1873-1948), a prominent Seward resident. Hoben was mayor of Seward from 1918-1919. He ran the Seward Water System from 1915-1947 and owned the Seward Gateway, the local newspaper and printing press from 1917 until 1941 when fire destroyed his Arcade Building. He had other business interests including the Alaska Transfer Company. Hoben lived and had his offices in the Arcade Building, located directly across the street from the park. Hoben was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a Mason, an advocate for public safety, a landowner and philanthropist. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, managing the champion Seward baseball team beginning in 1915. He became president of the Seward Baseball Association in 1924. Hoben oversaw maintenance of the park from 1923 until his death in 1948. He had his maintenance men from the Arcade Building keep up the park. Over the years, Hoben Park has been known by several names. It was called Arcade Park from 1923 to 1924. When it was known as Nile Park, perhaps due to Hoben's involvement with the Masons whose meeting place was Nile Temple at Sixth and Adams Streets, it "presented a pastoral appearance, with the grass mowed and lambs gamboling about the lawn" from 1925 to 1927 (Barry, vol. 2, p. 5). During this time the concrete walls and iron fence were f~ USDI/NPS NRHP Registration For.m Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 8 =========================================================================== installed. From 1928 into the 1950s it was known as Hoben Park. In the late 1950s, the park became known as Ladies Park, which might have originated with the Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Church, or might ha~ebeen inspired by th~ Ladies Outing Club. In 1995, the Seward City Council officially named the site Hoben Park. After Hoben's death in 1948, the park changed. At various times it had a basketball court, a dogsled monument and an Iditarod Trail sled dog race monument. These have been removed. Community residents are interested in restoring the park to its historic appearance and preserving the community's history as developments around the park have increased tourism in the last decade. The City of Seward has started rehabilitation work. o . , I USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 9 =========================================================================== =========================================================================== 9. Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form.) "Arcade Building One of the Most Modern and Commodious Structures Ever Built in the Territory." Seward Gateway, December 5, 1925: 16. Barry, Mary J. Seward, Alaska: A History of the Gateway City. 3 volumes. Seward, Alaska: M J P Barry, 1993, 1995. Mobley, Charles M. Historic Architecture Survey of the Waterfront, Seward, Alaska, for the Proposed Institute of Marine Science Facility. Anchorage, Alaska: Charles M. Mobley & Associates, 1994. Wilson, William H. Railroad in the Clouds: The Alaska Railroad in the Age of Steam, 1914-1945. Boulder, Colorado: Pruett Publishing Co., 1977. Previous documentation on file (NPS) n/a preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been --- requested. previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # Primary Location of Additional Data State Historic Preservation Office Other State agency Federal agency Local government University X Other Name of repository: Seward Public Library 14 USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form . Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska =========================================================================== Page 10 10. Geographical Data =========================================================================== Acreage n~f :E>rop~erty less than one UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing 1 06 364380 6664205 3 2 4 See continuation sheet. Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property.) Hoben Park is on Lot 2A, Waterfront Tracts 1998 Replat, a subdivision of Lots 1 and 2 Waterfront Tracts, City of Seward. It is within the SW ~ of Section 10, Township 1 South, Range 1 West, Seward Meridian. The park is bounded by Railway Avenue to the north, the old Alaska Railroad Depot to the east, Alaska SeaLife Center to the west, and a sidewalk to the south. Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected.) Widening Railway Avenue and replacing the sidewalk and wall of the park reduced the park from its original size by approximately six feet along its north boundary. The west boundary is the original wall. The south boundary is defined by a sidewalk placed beyond where the original fence stood. The east boundary is its original boundary adjacent to the old railroad depot. =========================================================================== 11. Form Prepared By =========================================================================== name/title Jessica M. Benson, Intern organization Office of History and Archaeology Alaska Department of Natural Resources date March 15, 2006 street & number 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1310 telephone 907-269-8755 city or town Anchorage State AK zip code 99501-3565 *assisted by Shannon Kovac, Chair, Seward Historic Preservation Commission, City of Seward, P.O. Box 167, Seward, Alaska 99664-0167 /6 USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 11 =========================================================================== Additional Documentation --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submit the following items with the completed form: Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property. Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) =========================================================================== =========================================================================== Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name city of Seward street & number P.O. Box 167 telephone 907-224-4050 city or town Seward state AK zip code 99664-0167 fir . USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Page 12 =========================================================================== Section photograph identification =========================================================================== 1. Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Lee Poleske March 2006 P.O. Box 871, Seward, Alaska 99664-0871 Looking east 2. Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Lee Poleske March 2006 P.O. Box 871, Seward, Alaska 99664-0871 Looking west today. 3. Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Photographer unknown Circa 1930s Resurrection Bay Historical Society (65.1.1), P.O. Box 55, Seward, Alaska 99664-0055 Looking east over the west wall at park and old railroad depot 4. Hoben Park Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Photographer unknown Circa 1930s Resurrection Bay Historical Society (65.1.4), P.O. Box 55, Seward, Alaska 99664-0055 Looking west at park /1 1 I?: ,. 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