Historic Preservation Commission reports local register additions and outreach plans

Ned Warnecke, chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission, presented the commission’s recent work to the Pullman City Council on March 4, reporting on new local‑register listings, special tax valuation approvals, outreach events and a request for small CIP support to place historic plaques on a downtown bluff.

Warnecke recapped the commission’s role as defined in Pullman city code (chapter 16) and listed current commissioners and staff support. He told council the commission accepted the Gould House (920 Northeast D) onto the local register and approved a special tax valuation for the Drucker House (965 Northeast B Street). Commissioners also reviewed demolition permits and site plans for properties that may be historically significant and approved two certificates of alteration for registered properties.

The commission continued public outreach through an annual historic walking tour (this year on Maple Street) and a special walking tour for a senior citizens group; commissioners also attended the Places conference for professional development. Warnecke described an initiative to place a small brick pedestal on a bluff near the Simpson Methodist Church to display existing historic plaques currently in storage; the commission has some private donations and asked council to consider CIP funding if available.

Warnecke emphasized the program is voluntary and not intended to restrict property owners, and said the commission has updated and streamlined the nomination packet to encourage participation.