Integrating Arts, Nature and History
in a Revitalized and Sustainable Historic District in Discovery Park.
INTRODUCTION
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest public park; 534 acres of natural beauty on the shores of the Puget Sound in the Magnolia neighborhood.
Fort Lawton U.S. Army Post was established in the 1900s. During the 70's most of the property was transferred back to the City of Seattle. The former Fort Lawton became Discovery Park. Primarily a natural open space but also home to Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Environmental Learning and Visitor Center, Historic West Point Lighthouse, West Point Treatment Plant, Fort Lawton Military Cemetery and Fort Lawton Historic District that was established in 1978.
The historic district includes 25 privately owned residential buildings and 8 City-owned buildings. in 1988 the City issued an ordinance that restricted the use of the historic buildings. The boarded-up historic buildings have been left to decay and unused for almost half a century.
LOCATION AND HISTORY
Fort Lawton Historic District
HISTORIC FORT LAWTON TODAY
Post Chapel (1941)
Stables (1902, 1908)
Post Gymnasium (1905)
Band Barracks (1904)
Administration (1902)
Jail/Guardhouse (1902)
Civilian Quarters (1908)
Officers houses
Montana circle
Bus station
Parade ground
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
AND SUSTAINABILITY
The National Park Service’s Guiding Principles for Sustainable Design recognizes human civilization and nature as critically integral.
“Historic preservation is intrinsically a form of sustainable conservation. The built environment represents the embodied energy of past civilizations... Historic preservation is conservation in every sense of the word...”
(Guiding Principles for Sustainable Design, August, 1993; NPS Denver Service Center)
To perpetuate human civilization, we must sustain the earth. Sustainability, then, demands all human communities embrace our present, through an informed past toward a more fulfilling and conscientious future.
Dynamic and evolving human decisions and actions today shape that which generations who follow will inherit. Thus, we, today, are nothing less than stewards. Simply, environmental stewardship requires, at the very least:
1. consuming less;
2. reducing all pollutants in any form; and
3. reusing used and renewable materials, including existing buildings.
5 military forts in Washington
5 examples for adaptive re-use of historic sites in 5 thriving parks
SUGGESTED PROGRAMS
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Year-round education programs that can include K-12 performing arts instruction, master classes, lectures and workshops, environmental and interdisciplinary programs.
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Summer programs for young and advanced students, indoor and outdoor "classrooms" for individual and group instruction, classes, lectures and presentations. Programs could be offered by both local and visiting teachers.
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Visitor information and exhibit/museum space and public restrooms for visitors and general Park users.
EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH
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Gymnasium as a multipurpose space and Chapel as a recital hall could be used for year-round music and dance concerts, recitals and open rehearsals, as well as community gathering spaces.
PERFORMANCE
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National and international visiting artists could enjoy the proximity of lodging, rehearsal and practice spaces, and could enjoy on-site access to arts/environmental resources and recording studios.
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Possible office spaces for local organizations that participate in the various programs.
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Visiting artists and artists in-residence could offer an on-going opportunity for visitors to participate in various programs and presentations.
VISITING ARTISTS LODGING, RESIDENCY PROGRAMS, AND REHEARSAL SPACES
dance studios / workshops / classes / summer day camps / arts & collaborative spaces
Multipurpose / community spaces / workshops / classes / rehearsal
300 seat recital hall
Visitor information Exhibit space Public restrooms
rehearsal / artist-in-residence / classes / lectures / community spaces / exhibit
Shared office spaces / artist-in-residence
shared offices / community spaces / classes
HOW WILL SEATTLE BENEFIT?
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Re-using the historic buildings and introducing arts and environmental programs will lead to proper maintenance of the historic buildings and will help define the role of the historic district within the Park; the role of an indoor/outdoor community gathering place where arts, nature and history are integrated.
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Inter-disciplines collaboration activities will appeal to a variety of users and inspire to look for creative ways to protect our environment.
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An active and integrated historic landmark would lead to cultural and economic benefits.
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Re-purposing the vacant historic buildings would strengthen the site as a public space and would balance the privatization of the residential houses around the Parade Grounds.
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There are around 500 existing parking spaces in Discovery Park.
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Discovery Park’s Master Plan calls for parking capacity of up to 950 spaces.
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Explore a shuttle system that would allow for an increased number of visitors with minimal increase in traffic and vehicles.
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Explore the possibilities of shared after-hour parking with local surrounding businesses.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
WHAT'S NEXT?
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
Update Discovery Park's Master Plan:
It is time to re-examine and update the Park's Master Plan with a clearer definition of the role of Historic Fort Lawton within the Park and how can it better serve our community.
Change City Ordinance:
In 1988 the City issued an ordinance that restricted the use of the eight historic City-owned buildings. Those buildings have been vacant for almost half a century.
The time is right to change this ordinance, to make the buildings accessible for the experience and the enjoyment of everyone, and to properly maintain the nationally and regionally recognized historic site.
Engage and Inspire the Community:
Initiate arts and environmental events in the Park and Invite the community to become active stewards of our heritage and natural environment.
Partnership between Arts Organization and the City:
Encourage Arts and Historic Preservation organizations to partner with the City and develop a plan that would lead to the adaptive re-use of the historic buildings in harmony with Discovery Park.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
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Follow Discover Arts in the Park on social media, subscribe to this website and join our mailing list to receive news on upcoming events and activities.
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Reach out to your City representatives, Parks and Historic Preservation organizations.
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Contact us if you are interested in becoming involved and have the expertise that could advance Discover Arts' vision.