09/09/02

On August 2 the Landmark Board's Architectural Review Committe, which consists of four architects who are on the board, met to discuss the progress of RHS up to that point. Two of the members were present, Larry Kriseman and Stephen Lee, one member not available for the meeting, and Lorne from Bassetti reclusing himself (he was actually out of town). Marilyn did the presentation, and the feelings of the two members present were that the district has not honored the landmarking of the interior spaces of the building, notably the original gyms. Larry and Stephen recommended that the Seattle School District present the project again to the whole board, and with more information on how the landmarked spaces can be preserved. (The main plan presented showed the original gyms demolished to make way for a new theater.)

So on September 18, the project will be presented again, this time to the whole board. This meeting is open to the public, and once again we will be there to comment. We are encouraged that Larry and Stephen were not pleased with what they saw on August 2, but we need to continue the fight. Now we need all of you to write once again to the Landmarks Board and urge them to stand their ground on the auditorium and the original gyms. These spaces can be used without sacrificing the original gyms, which can be used as the library (like they did at the new West Seattle). The auditorium can be refurbished to accomodate the new theater. We need all the support we can get on this all important meeting!

Thank you! Andrea Wilson