Renee Blahuta and Elizabeth Cook.
Adele Virgin and Mary Magnuson.
ames Cook and Candy Wagaman.Your Fairbanks Historical Society Since 1959
January 1999 Newsletter
Vol. 4, No. 1
Index
Lecture SeriesBecause of the usual cold January weather our lecture series will commence on Tuesday, February 16, at the Noel Wien Library. However, work has to go on! A Board Meeting is scheduled for January 19th at 5:30 at the Pioneer Hall in Alaskaland. Please plan on a lengthy meeting as we bid farewell to outgoing members and welcome newly elected members to our Board. Refreshments will be served. |
Let's make 1999 be a banner year for preserving our heritage into the next millennium. To this purpose we have filled this issue with ideas for building a better community. We hope that our local lawmakers will initiate these and some other working ideas and suggestions which have a proven track record in communities around the country.
Because a short time line in implementing these and other ideas is vital, we suggest the creation of a "Save Fairbanks' Treasures" leadership team to be composed of a private-public partnership. The team's mission will be to recommend programs to the City of Fairbanks and Fairbanks North Star Borough that help towards preserving our heritage on into the new century and garner public recognition and long-term support in restoring and maintaining our region's priceless historic resources.
We cannot stress enough that time is of the essence in establishing sound guidelines to aid in the preservation of our built environment.
The impact of historic preservation on the economic viability of our town is a complex issue often overlooked when making development decisions. We would, therefore, like to become an active partner in the economic development of our town by making our expertise available to our local governmental officials
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Ann Ringstad receives award from Renee Blahuta of TYHS for rehabilitation of historic property on Illinois Street, now the residence of John and Ann Ringstad and family. |
| Renee Blahuta and Elizabeth Cook. |
Adele Virgin and Mary Magnuson. |
| Jane Williams, Andrea and Oliver Bachlund |
James Cook and Candy Wagaman. |
Each May during National Historic Prservation week we applaud the vision of our government officials who have supported preservation projects and legislation in the Fairbanks North Star Borough; also the educators, journalists and writers who help us to appreciate the richness of our heritage through preservation. All demonstrate commitment, leadership and achievement worthy of community recognition.
The TYHS is soliciting Nominations in the following categories:
1998 Fairbanks Preservation Honor Awards recognize the efforts of individuals, local organizations, governmental entities and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to Fairbanks through the preservation of our built environment. These efforts include persons who save and maintain historic buildings, create historic districts, preserve local and national landmarks, as well as architects, craftsmen and developers whose exemplary work in restoration the richness of our past.
TYHS's Award for Organizational Excellence recognizes an organization or individual that has demonstrated sustained and superlative achievement in historic preservation.
The general evaluation criteria is based on the following:
TYHS's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy honors an individual
who has made an outstanding contribution to historic preservation in the field of
public policy.
TYHS's Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites recognizes outstanding achievement in the programming, management and interpretation of one of more historic sites.
The TYHS's Award for Excellence in Media recognizes a person or media organization:
Award recipient will become eligible to be entered for nomination to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Media Award.
The TYHS invites you to participate in the celebration of the best in local history and historic preservation by nominating those individuals and organizations you believe are most deserving of the Fairbanks Historic Preservation Award.
Nominations may be made in writing to the TYHS at PO Box 71336, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701-1336. Nominations may also be made to the TYHS voice mail at 455-8947. Please give your name and phone number so that we may call you if additional information is needed. All nominations must be received no later then February 15, 1999 Awards will be announced in May, 1999.
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The evaluation criteria is generally based on the following:
In addition to recognizing individuals and organizations, the TYHS is particularly interested in nominations that demonstrate historic preservation as a strategy to renew the viability of diverse older neighborhoods; revitalize downtown Fairbanks as the center of the community, protect the scenic and historic character of urban streetscapes and rural landscapes, and meet Fairbanksí need through the rehabilitation and active use of individual landmarks. |
It is time that we stop thinking that the benefits of historic preservation are limited to aesthetics. Preservation is integral to many economic development plans elsewhere and it quite definitely would enhance the attraction of Fairbanks as a center for tourism. Preservation reminds us of our history while providing new resources for today's homes and businesses. Historic preservation allows us to appreciate the quality and uniqueness of the past as we change and adapt to the future.
Here are just a few suggestions:
Establish local and national historic districts. (Fairbanks does not have a local historic district/landmark program or any designated national historic districts within the city limits).
Establish a Design Review Committee Enhances the value of designated properties
by
encouraging private rehabilitation and in-fill construction with compatible historic
design features.
Establish Incentives for Historic Properties in Fairbanks such as zoning and building code relief and a special tax valuation program for historic properties.
Zoning For a designated landmark, the Fairbanks North Star Borough may
authorize a use not otherwise permitted in a certain zone. this provision provides
flexibility of use and encourages the preservation and use of historic buildings.
In order to be considered for a variance, an application must be filed with the FNSB
Planning Dept. Approval is subject to certain development standards that include
approval by the Combined City of Fairbanks, Fairbanks North Star Borough Historical
Commission.
Building Code Relief The Fairbanks Building Code, which is adopted by the City Council to accompany the Uniform Building Code, allows the City to modify specific of the building code for local/national historic buildings and landmarks.
The 1998 Endangered Properties list included a dairy and a sacred place, a streetscape where history was made and places that shaped our nation:
The above properties may be 1) renominated if the threat to their existence still exists, or 2) taken off the list if positive action assures the preservation of the property in the foreseeable future. Properties that are endangered due to development pressure, inappropriate rehabilitation or decay may be added to the list.
Nominations may be made in writing to the TYHS at PO Box 71336, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701-1336. Nominations may also be made to the TYHS voice mail at 455-8947. Please give your name and phone number so that we may call you if additional information is needed. All nominations must be received no later then February 15, 1999. The Five Fairbanks Endangered Property nominations will be forwarded to the Alaska Historic Preservation Association for possible inclusions in Alaska's Ten Most Endangered Properties listing.
The Tanana-Yukon Historical Society is continuing to seek applicants for the position
of Manager for Wickersham House Museum at Alaskaland for the 1999 season. Wickersham
House is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Interested parties
are encouraged to call our voice mail at 455-8947 or write to the TYHS for more information.
We are also seeking two volunteer researchers to work under the direction of Renee
Blahuta in researching FNSB Assessors records, recording historical buildings lost
since the publication of the 1978 Fairbanks: A City Historic Building Survey by Janet
Matheson.
Senator Gary Wilken
1851 Seventh Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701Ann Ringstad
757 Illinois Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Tanana-Yukon Historical Society
P.O. Box 71336
Fairbanks, AK 99701-1336
tyhs@polarnet.com