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Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission

Includes Three North Slopers
 

Timothy McDonald, a retired architect who owns a home on North M Street, was appointed to the Landmarks Preservation Commission on April 5, 2004. He joins long-time commissioner Roger Johnson, who lives on North J Street and who started out as the Exofficio North Slope Historic District representative; Johnson is now a full commissioner. Kathryn Longwell, is the current Exofficio for North Slope District

Mr. McDonald has lived in the North Slope for about 15 years, and was most recently active as the designer and donor of the stone monument at the North Slope Historic District Park.

"I will be alert to be sure the NSHD is protected, but I will also be helping to further historic preservation throughout the City of Tacoma," says Mr. McDonald.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is charged with the job of encouraging the preservation of historic properties in the city, and plays a major role in protecting the North Slope Historic District through oversight of the guidelines for remodeling and new construction. This oversight is designed to protect the architectural integrity of the historic structures in our historic district.
 

 

Landmarks Preservation Commission

 

 

  • Appointing Authority: Mayor, from recommendations submitted by SW Chapter of AIA, Director of Planning & Development Services, and Tacoma Arts Commission

  • Number of Members: 15

  • Term of Membership: 3 years

  • Composition of Membership: Three architects, one historian (background in American history), one art historian (background in the history of art and architecture), one City Planner (possibly as an alternate a representative of the Planning Department with a degree in urban planning serving in an ex-officio capacity), one landscape architect, one realtor, one representative from the Tacoma Arts Commission of Tacoma, one banker, and five interested citizens.

  • Liaison Department: Tacoma Economic Development

  • Staff Liaison: Reuben McKnight

  • General Information: (253) 591-5220

  • Meeting Information

City Building Permits and Historic Preservation in the North Slope
 by Roger Johnson
 

As one of the North Slope Historic District Representatives to the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, I have been aware of a problem in the NSHD that perhaps needs some clarification.
The City of Tacoma has a building code to ensure safety and consistency in systems and engineering. Whenever a residence is being altered, a permit is usually needed. There are exceptions but these are few. Call the permit desk 591-5030 and tell them what you are considering and they will get you started.

In the North Slope Historic District we have another set of guidelines that apply to the exterior of our homes. These guidelines help us make decisions on changes to the exterior without losing or significantly altering the historic features and character of our homes. These guidelines are the compass that keep the ever-changing NSHD from drifting too far from the unique, diverse, vibrant and historic area that we all enjoy now. There are many examples in Tacoma where a fine historic home or area was altered, and in just a few years it had lost the features that made it special. Our guidelines keep us focused.

Once you have applied for your permit there is one more step to actually getting it. Your plan is reviewed by the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission. The process is very simple. Fill out a form, get some pictures and drawings of your project, and discuss your plans with the commission. It will work with you to make them happen with in the historic guidelines. Once your plans are approved by the LPC your permit will be issued.

The North Slope Historic District has had a rash of major changes made to primary and secondary historic homes without permits or LPC review. Some of the changes were done with sensitivity and common sense and respect to the historic nature of the house and neighborhood. They won approval of the LPC without a battle. On the other hand some changes were clumsy and inappropriate and the cheapest method of making the desired changes were employed. This approach not only devalues the home but it is a blight on the neighborhood. The neighborhood has an appearance and spirit that is easily understood and whenever inappropriate changes are made the appearance and spirit are damaged.

The next time the weather allows, go for a walk through your neighborhood and take a close look at all the styles of architecture and notice how changes and additions alter the look and spirit of homes. Think of all the generations of people who have lived here before and all those who will follow. It is our responsibility to preserve the NSHD so that the spirit of the Tacoma pioneers is easily understood by future generations.