Proposed Uses

Analysis

BOLA's team of architects and engineers has undertaken a review of available documentation and several preliminary on-site inspections of the building. Analysis tasks included:

  • Research on the building's history, original design, original and existing materials, and identification of significant historic features
  • Identification of missing historic features for reconstruction and restoration
  • Collection of historic photos to serve as the basis for exterior restoration and rehabilitation
  • Analysis and evaluation of existing mechanical, electrical and structural conditions and systems
  • On-site sampling and laboratory testing for hazardous materials content
  • Evaluation of spaces for accessibility and required code improvements, and upgrading for new functions

A Building Program for Gathering

The Carnegie Preservation Committee has worked with residents of Snohomish to identify potential new uses for the building. At its November 2004 meeting the Committee chose the word "gathering" to encompass all of the proposed functions, and articulated the following new uses for the large Upper Floor Main Room:

  • Public and civic meetings, such as city council hearings
  • Classes and seminars, typically around a linear ring of tables or with rows of tables
  • Receptions and parties, with the potential for catered meals
  • Performances with minimal special needs. This can include music, gatherings, minimal staged theater and spoken voice and song, such as community choirs. These may be arranged in the center or at one end of the space. The future addition of "stage lighting" should be anticipated, but special theatrical lighting and audio/visual equipment is not included in the plan.
  • Film presentations. The proposal provides a switch controlled, roll-down screen, inserted into the ceiling soffit at one end wall, and suggests provision of rows of chairs. This use calls for provision of a ceiling mounted projector for video and DVD projection, and/or a film projector for use with older 16 mm type film.

Many, but not all of these program events will occur in the evening or weekend days. Building circulation should allow for use of the Basement Meeting Room during the same time as the Upper Floor or independently, for classes, meetings, smaller conferences, etc. The Upper Floor will not be optimal for dramatic performances or dance, and will be finished with general rather than theatrical lighting. Power will be distributed to wall and floor outlets, and power provided for the future addition of stage lighting. The Committee suggested that the Basement be finished with more durable and easily cleaned materials, such as a resilient or concrete floor, hard surface walls, etc., for uses such as art classes.

 

The Committee and the architects evaluated four optional designs that featured different locations for new stairs and an elevator, and selected one to refine during this planing project. The Committee agreed that a new enclosed stair should be constructed to link the two floors, and that it should be located on the back or east side of the building.