EDITOR’S NOTE: On May 26, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation announced its annual list of Washington State’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The list dates back to 1992, and aims to raise awareness of historic properties that face demolition by redevelopment or neglect. Over the past 17 years, according to the Trust, more than 100 have been nominated by concerned citizens and organizations across the state. The organization also assists historic preservation advocates in developing strategies aimed at removing these threats.
This year’s list includes Curran House (University Place); Alki Homestead Restaurant (Seattle); BF Tabbott House (Bainbridge Island); Bush House (Index); George Carmack House (Seattle); Day Block (Dayton); Old Ellensburg Hospital (Ellensburg); Libbey House (Coupeville); Post-Intelligencer Globe (Seattle); Sand Point Naval Station (Seattle); St. Edward’s Catholic Church (Shelton); Surrey Downs (Bellevue); Vashon Elementary Gymnasium (Vashon Island).
Last month, the Index began publishing a profile of each endangered property, as compiled by the Trust. Here is what the Trust has to say about Old Ellensburg Hospital in Ellensburg.
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At a time when re-purposing existing buildings is seen as desirable due to the cool factor and environmentally friendly because it is a sustainable practice, Ellensburgs Old Hospital Building would seem a prime candidate for a program of adaptive reuse. Its design and floor plan is flexible enough to allow a variety uses, while its proximity to downtown gives the building a locational advantage. Despite this, with the exception of a caretaker, the building has sat vacant for several years.
The Hospital Building is historically significant as an intact example of the architectural work of Charles Bebb and Carl Gould. Operating primarily out of Seattle, they are credited with nearly 200 projects including the Seattle Art Museum, Ballard Locks Government Buildings, and several buildings on the UW campus. With its stucco exterior and curvilinear parapet, the hospital building is also expressive of Mission Revival design, an architectural style unique for Ellensburg. Constructed in 1919, the building represents a shift from smaller, decentralized clinics to a unification of medical services in the Lower Kittitas Valley.
Existing zoning for the hospital building is Public Reserve a category that limits the potential use of the structure. In addition, the surrounding neighborhood is zoned residential, effectively rendering the hospital a “white elephant.” The hospital is in good condition, but without a viable program the building could sit vacant for more years to come. A worst-case scenario would see the hospital demolished: a move that would make way for a small scale residential project. Eligible for listing in the National Register and therefore able to utilize rehabilitation tax credits, the Old Hospital Building is currently for sale.
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For more information on the Trust, visit http://www.wa-trust.org .
For earlier Index coverage of the Trust, click on the following links:
1. In an old hilltop mansion, a strong voice for preservation (04/14/09) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1528102&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_wa_trust.pdf .
2. Long list of concerns for Washington State preservationists (05/29/08) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1228444&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_jennifer_meisner_qa.pdf .
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The Index has a blog. Visit us at http://i.feedtacoma.com/TDI-Reporters-Notebook/
