The Hotel Elliott/(Hahn Building) at the entrance to Pike Place Market in Seattle is still in jeopardy of demolition
The century-old Hahn Building at the entrance to Pike Place Market in Seattle is still facing demolition to make room for a 14-story glass and steel high rise hotel at this iconic, historical location. A SaveTheMarketEntrance.org petition first launched through Change.org in 2017 has received over 88,000 signatures in support of preserving the existing human scale and symmetry of the historic Market entrance and protesting redevelopment of this southeast corner with a contemporary hotel/mixed use building.
What recent measures have been taken to save it?
A new and expanded landmark nomination application was submitted for consideration on December 17, 2019, at the end of a required 5-year “cooling off” period since the City of Seattle Landmark Preservation Board last reviewed a nomination submitted by the property’s owner/developer in 2014. To read the full nomination application, visit our website: SaveTheMarketEntrance.org where it is found on the home page.
What makes this nomination proposal different?
This is the first time that a landmark nomination has been submitted by anyone other than the developer/owner, it is also the first time the public at large will receive notice of the proceedings and will have an opportunity to share their thoughts before the Landmarks Preservation Board.
What’s next and how can you help?
The application has been accepted and we are now waiting for confirmation on the Landmarks Preservation Board meeting date for the Hotel Elliott/(Hahn Building) nomination. Once the meeting date is confirmed, we will reach out to you again with tips on how to submit a strong public comment in writing or in person. Because we believe the Hahn Building contributes to the experience of both occasional and regular visitors to Pike Place Market as well as to those who live in Washington and pay taxes here, you are welcome to comment on this nomination regardless of where you call home.
On the lawsuit front, here’s what is also underway. On January 16, 2020, SaveTheMarketEntrance.org (STME) filed an appeal with the Seattle Hearing Examiner contesting the Department of Construction and Inspections proposal to grant a Master Use Permit which will lead to demolition of the historic Hahn building.
What was contained in the Hearing Examiner appeal?
The appeal underscores the importance of the Hahn Buildings contribution to 1st & Pike as a historic and culturally significant intersection in Seattle. The Hahn Building is essential in communicating the symmetry, scale and aesthetic character of the four corners of the Pike Place Market entrance.
The appeal also states that, “The height, bulk, and scale of the (developer’s) proposal is inconsistent with the historic character of the intersection…….The proposal for southbound alley traffic flow will create gridlock for alley users disrupting surrounding streets, deprive existing property owners of access to their own property, and endanger pedestrians who gather in greater numbers here than in any other working farmers market or tourist destination in Washington State.”
To read the full appeal, visit our website: SaveTheMarketEntrance.org where it is found on the home page.
In the meantime, here are three things you can do today to make a huge difference:
· Sign and widely share this petition on Change.org to Save The Market Entrance. We have over 88,000 signatures and want to pass 100,000 before the Cherry blossoms arrive in early April.
· Follow us on Facebook: Save The Market Entrance
· Contribute to our non-profit SaveTheMarketEntrance.org efforts and legal defense fund through our Go Fund Me campaign. To date, legal and historic preservation fees have been covered by donations from concerned residents in the area. We are up against billion-dollar corporations with an army of high-priced lawyers and consultants. We welcome your help in whatever amount you are comfortable with.
Thank you!