At the Nov. 20 meeting, the Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to ask staff to request an eligibility assessment and mitigation planning for a Department of Transportation-owned highway building shown on slide 10.

Commissioner David (first name only) read a motion asking staff to contact DOT and the State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to determine whether the building is eligible for the state or National Register of Historic Places and, if demolition is anticipated, to identify steps for historic-preservation mitigation including salvaging notable architectural elements. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; the chair declared the motion “carried unanimously.”

During discussion commissioners said DOT had indicated the site is contaminated and that DOT planned to remove buildings, but staff clarified there is no established demolition timeline known to the commission at the meeting. Commissioners discussed possible future uses for the property (including community center or mixed-use redevelopment) and confirmed DOT is responsible for environmental cleanup before turnover. One commissioner asked that the preservation motion clarify whether salvaged architectural pieces — specifically engraved typographic blocks visible on the building — could be preserved in any mitigation plan.

The motion asks staff to pursue two actions: 1) request an eligibility determination from DOT and DAHP; and 2) request mitigation planning if the building will be demolished. The commission carried the motion and asked that staff report back with DAHP’s findings and any recommended mitigation steps in a future meeting.