Landmarks commission readies community heritage register and touts preservation’s economic role

Kevin Bartoy, chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and staff liaison Ruben McKnight updated the IPS committee on Oct. 8 about the commission’s recent activities, including a code amendment package and the launch of a community heritage register.

Bartoy said the commission oversees local landmarks, historic districts, review of certain property-tax incentives, heritage grants and annual awards. He noted the commission’s work is codified in the Tacoma Municipal Code and that the commission acts as an advisory body to the Planning Commission and City Council.

The commission reported 13 historic design reviews during the past year and discussed tax-incentive totals tied to preservation programs. Bartoy said the commission supported creation of a community heritage register during the recent code amendments because existing designation criteria did not capture many forms of community-valued heritage. The register will allow more flexible recognition of places the community identifies as historically or culturally significant, Bartoy said.

Commissioners emphasized preservation’s economic and sustainability benefits — citing the long-term investment that rehabilitation and reuse deliver — and noted upcoming outreach and recruitment for open commission seats. They also said the commission continues to work on a multi-year code-amendment list that staff and commissioners describe as a priority.

No formal action was taken by IPS on Oct. 8. The commission said it will continue to coordinate with other city departments and present future recommendations to council.