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Historic Trust reports Providence Academy incubator, surge in tours and events to Clark County commission
Summary
The Historic Trust told the commission that a small-business incubator rental program at Providence Academy has already drawn interest, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) required mitigation beyond the immediate area of potential effect, and the Marshall House and events facility reported strong bookings.
Holly Chamberlain of the Historic Trust updated the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 8 about recent programs at Providence Academy, the Marshall House and Trust operations.
Chamberlain said the Small Business Incubator Rental Assistance Program at Providence Academy launched the week of the meeting and had already attracted several prospective tenants who scheduled tours. She reported the Trust filed comments with the Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) after disagreeing with project staff’s finding of no adverse effect on the academy; "The council has addressed the concerns expressed repeatedly by the Trust and found that IBR staff must treat the academy as if there will be adverse effects and provide mitigation," Chamberlain said, adding that ACHP told project staff mitigation may extend beyond the immediate area of potential effect.
Chamberlain provided activity numbers: the Academy Events Facility exceeded its stretch booking goal in 2024 with 77 events, and 54 events were already booked for 2025. Marshall House docents gave more than 1,100 tours in 2024 for a total audience of about 2,350 guests. The Trust is preparing turnover of one MCO duplex and plans a public open house when the unit is ready; the closure of the International Air and Hospitality Academy left the mess hall without a tenant and the Trust will clean and then renovate depending on a kitchen need.
Chamberlain also reported the Trust’s response to parking issues at Evergreen Boulevard with temporary caution tape barriers and noted staff additions and upcoming public programs: Tiffany Lounsbury joined as development assistant and Humanities Washington is scheduled for Feb. 6 at the Red Cross Building, featuring Latoya Brackett.
Why it matters: the Trust’s mitigation request to ACHP and the incubator program affect preservation planning for Providence Academy and signal active public programming and visitation at Trust sites.
Chamberlain closed by noting the Trust’s ongoing public-education work and volunteer engagement.
