CAPITOL CAMPUS DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING

Remote Access Meeting Olympia, 98504

January 7, 2021 4:30 p.m.

Final Minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Alex Rolluda, (Chair) Architect Representative Beth Doglio Dan Miles, (Vice Chair) Architect Senator Timothy Sheldon Marc Daily, Urban Planner Senator Sam Hunt Chris Jones, Landscape Architect Representative Vicki Kraft Kim Wyman, Secretary of State

OTHERS PRESENT: Kevin Dragon, Department of Enterprise Services Bill Frare, Department of Enterprise Services Valerie Gow, Meeting Services Jennifer Kilmer, Washington State Historical Society Annette Meyer, Department of Enterprise Services

Welcome and Introductions, Announcements & Approval of Agenda Chair Alex Rolluda called the special Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee (CCDAC) virtual meeting to order at 4:33 p.m. A quorum of the CCDAC was present.

Members and staff provided self-introduction.

Chair Rolluda acknowledged the excused absence of Senators San Hunt and Timothy Sheldon and Representative Beth Doglio and Vicki Kraft.

Approval of November 5, 2020 CCDAC Minutes - Action Marc Daily moved, seconded by Secretary Wyman, to approve the CCDAC meeting minutes of November 5, 2020 as presented. A roll call vote unanimously approved the minutes.

Proposed Minor Works Monument for George Bush – Action Chair Rolluda invited Kevin Dragon, DES Planning and Project Delivery Program Manager, to present the proposal.

Manager Dragon introduced Jennifer Kilmer, Director of the Washington State Historical Society.

Ms. Kilmer reported the Society is a trustee agency of the state of Washington and is overseen by a Board of Trustees. Secretary Wyman serves as an ex officio member of the Board. The Society oversees the CCDAC REMOTE MEETING MINUTES- FINAL January 5, 2021 Page 2 of 5

preservation, collecting, and sharing of history of the State of Washington through a museum and research center in Tacoma, Washington. The Society provides statewide outreach activities and supports heritage organizations across the state.

Manager Dragon reported the request is a minor works project proposed by the Washington State Historical Society to place a monument on the Capitol Campus. The proposal meets the guidelines of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) relative to how the proposal is reviewed and the criteria for major and minor works on the State Capitol Campus. The WAC includes administrative requirements for reviewing the proposal and the standards the monument must meet for placement on the campus. Additionally, an approval process for minor works projects includes a review by DES Director Chris Liu. Director Liu is requesting a review of the proposal by CCDAC for feedback. Based on the action by the committee, staff would move the proposal forward to the State Capitol Committee (SCC) for its review and approval to ensure both committees are aware of the proposal and any concerns have been addressed by the Society.

Assistant Director Frare acknowledged the arrival of Representative Vicki Kraft at 4:40 p.m.

Manager Dragon acknowledged the arrival of Senator Sam Hunt at 4:40 p.m.

Ms. Kilmer thanked members for their willingness to consider the proposal. The project is essentially the serendipitous intersection of several efforts. The first was initiated by the Legislature in the capital budget last year by Representative Pettigrew and other members of the Legislative Black Caucus to allocate $100,000 for administration by the Washington State Historical Society for observance and celebration of Black History Month in 2021. Provisions in the appropriation tasked the Society to create or refurbish permanent fixtures and/or structures commemorating the history of in Washington State. Additionally, activities occurring on Capitol Campus are included in Black History Month celebrations. Additional activities include online educational resources, celebratory events, and exhibitions. Because of COVID-19, activities will be different than originally anticipated when funding was allocated from the capital budget. However, the opportunity enables the Society to celebrate Black History in the state. Concurrently, the Governor’s Office contacted the Society following meetings with a citizen group desiring the placement of a marker on the campus acknowledging the contributions of African American pioneer George Bush. Ms. Kilmer said she met with the group and forwarded the proposal and documentation to the Society’s Advisory Committee for the Black History Month project and introduced the proposal as the potential project to meet the request for placement of a fixture as stipulated in the capital budget. The Advisory Committee supported the proposal. The Advisory Committee is comprised of many distinguished individuals representing African American civic groups, academia, studies, and interests.

The WAC does not allow markers to be representative of living entities; however, an association exists with the Bush Butternut tree on campus that was planted from root stock from Bush Prairie where George Bush settled in the area known today as the City of Tumwater. George Bush brought the root stock from Missouri prior to immigrating to the state. The marker would not be tied to the tree but would be placed adjacent to the tree.

George Bush was born in 1790 in Missouri. He and his wife, Isabella, helped to establish the first non- indigenous American settlement in Washington State. The Bush’s began their journey in Missouri via the to escape prejudice and discrimination in Missouri. They arrived in the Oregon territory, which had recently passed laws that discriminated against African Americans. Consequently, the Bush party moved on to an area north of the in Puget Sound now known as the City of Tumwater. The Bush- Simmons party settled in the area. Simmons is recognized on Capitol Campus in a monument honoring his important moments in Washington State history. Mr. Bush was known for his generosity and helped to feed CCDAC REMOTE MEETING MINUTES- FINAL January 5, 2021 Page 3 of 5

other settlers in the area during the 1852 famine. He was responsible for attracting other pioneers to the area. As one of the first African American pioneers to settle in the state, the area was subsequently claimed by America as opposed to other foreign entities. In 1850, Congress passed the Donation Land Act which excluded people of African descent from owning property; however, because George Bush and his family were so respected, the Territorial Convention successfully petitioned the U.S. Congress to allow George Bush to own his farm. Although George Bush owned his farm he was not allowed to vote. His son, William Owen Bush, served in the first Washington Legislature and was a primary sponsor of the legislation that helped to establish Washington State University. The history of George Bush and his family are worthy of recognition on the campus, as well as a way to promote Black history in Washington.

The site location is near the World War II Memorial. The Bush Butternut tree is located near a bench affording an opportunity for the site to house the monument adjacent to the bench in view of the Bush Butternut tree. The design of the marker is under the guidance of the WAC in terms of size, shape, and text. The marker would be placed on granite with an inset 10” x 17” bronze plaque. The text has not been drafted but would refer to George Bush’s role in settling Washington State and the petition by the Territorial Legislature to allow him to own his farm in addition to his eldest son’s contribution by serving in the Legislature and establishing Washington State University. The marker could also include an image although there is no reliable image of George Bush. However, images exist of William Owen Bush, the farm, and the tree.

Manager Dragon invited questions from the committee. If the committee recommends approval to the SCC, all information and feedback from CCDAC would be presented to the SCC at its next meeting on January 28, 2021. If the SCC approves the proposal, DES would move forward and work with the Washington State Historical Society on the installation of the monument. Installation would likely occur later in the year.

Chair Rolluda asked about methods to ensure the monument is secured. Ms. Kilmer said she understands that similar monuments are not placed directly on the ground. The monument would be secured by a bolt to the base. Manager Dragon noted that the secure placement of the monument would be coordinated with the designer to ensure it is fixed in place. The next step after approval by the SCC is a review of the applicant’s design plans.

Representative Kraft asked whether the committee is requested to take action or whether the committee will forward the request to the SCC for action. Manager Dragon explained that the request is a recommendation by the CCDAC to the SCC for approval of the proposal. Representative Kraft commented on the economic challenges facing the state and the taxpayers because of the pandemic since March. She has concerns about expending taxpayer money this year. Although, she could consider the proposal next year, she is challenged in terms of spending taxpayer money on any monument, especially if the funds are not COVID-related or critical during this session.

Manager Dragon explained that the WAC requires the proponent to fund the fabrication and installation of the monument on the campus. The state does not have any fiscal responsibility. DES also reserves funds for maintenance of monuments. Ms. Kilmer added that although the Society as the project proponent would bear the cost, the funding would be from funds received from the state. The proposal is an element of a $100,000 allocation in the capital budget for commemorating Black History in Washington to be administered by the Society. The funds have been appropriated by the Legislature.

Representative Kraft inquired as to why the proposal was not implemented at the time of the budget allocation. Ms. Kilmer said the funding is from the supplemental capital budget during the last Legislative session prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused a delay as the Society began working on the proposal last fall. The Society wanted to ensure appropriate appointments to the Advisory Committee of CCDAC REMOTE MEETING MINUTES- FINAL January 5, 2021 Page 4 of 5

experienced professionals with knowledge and experience surrounding black history in the state. The Advisory Committee met with citizen groups and forwarded the marker proposal. The proposal was reviewed through staff processes at DES.

Secretary Wyman acknowledged the challenge the Legislature will encounter in meeting budget needs because of the pandemic; however, she supports the concept as proposed and the historic significance the Bush family had on Washington State, as well as in Thurston County. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Washington State Historical Society. Another connection to the Bush family is through the first women Auditor in Thurston County who was elected prior to the women receiving the right to vote in 1920. She was a true pioneer politically in Thurston County and is a descendant of George Washington Bush and Isabella Bush as their granddaughter. She believes the monument at this time is important because of all the events occurring in 2020 and because Black History Month will have special significance in 2021. The monument is a way to commemorate Black history. Although she understands the challenges associated with the budget, she believes the monument is important.

Chair Rolluda questioned the possible recusal of Secretary Wyman as a member of the Board for the Washington State Historical Society. Senator Hunt offered that it is unlikely Secretary Wyman would need to self-recuse from any action because she would not gain financially from any action.

Senator Sam Hunt moved to recommend approval to the State Capitol Committee of the proposed minor works monument (marker) commemorating George Bush and William Owen Bush.

Chris Jones asked whether a formal design would be presented to CCDAC if the proposal is approved by the SCC as the next steps do not speak to another review of the design and content by the CCDAC prior to installation. Ms. Kilmer said the goal is to seek approvals by the end of January to enable announcement of the monument. However, it might not be possible to meet the timeframe for installation because of backlogs in granite production. The Society will complete any approval process that is required. Any extra steps for approval of the design and content are possible. She offered to provide the final design and language to the SCC at its next meeting on January 28, 2021 to provide another level of review.

Representative Kraft acknowledged that she has no issues or problems in terms of the intent of the monument other than her issue surrounds the timing of the monument.

Dan Miles expressed support of the proposal but wants to ensure the location, as described, is consistent with the current Capitol Campus Master Plan for monument locations. He asked whether the placement has been reviewed to ensure it is consistent with the Capitol Campus Master Plan. Manager Dragon advised that the location was reviewed in the context of the proposal as a minor works monument. The WAC designates DES with the responsibility to determine placement or future relocation. As the monument will be located next to the Butternut tree, it was deemed appropriate to place the plaque in that location.

Ms. Kilmer added that the language would not tie the monument to the tree in the event the monument was ever relocated. She cited proposed draft marker text stating, “A tree originating from stock that Bush brought from Missouri and planted at his homestead in Tumwater was planted on this campus in 2010.”

CCDAC REMOTE MEETING MINUTES- FINAL January 5, 2021 Page 5 of 5

Mr. Daily extended appreciation to the Society for recommending two people to honor who are not only important to Black history and Washington State history but to the Thurston region.

Marc Daily seconded the motion.

A voice vote unanimously approved the motion.

Public Comments & Closing Comments– Informational Chair Rolluda asked about the receipt of any public comments.

Manager Dragon reported one public comment referred to the Legislative Campus Modernization project. The Olympia Historical Society/Bigelow House Museum provided a letter to the SCC and asked that it be shared with the CCDAC. Each member received a copy of the letter conveying concerns about the impacts to the historic setting, architecture, landscaping, and character of Capitol Campus. The letter speaks to concerns relative to the Pritchard Building and its historic significance and the Newhouse Building and its relative significance on the campus as it exists today. The Society expressed concerns about the Press Houses and the large parking lot conceptualized around the Newhouse facility. The Society is requesting the inclusion of a larger audience.

Chair Rolluda referred to the committee’s recommendation regarding the Pritchard Building and his comments he forwarded to DES and the committee. He asked whether his letter would be presented to the SCC. Manager Dragon affirmed the comments were copied to SCC members earlier and would be included in the packet for the next meeting.

Next Meeting – Informational The next meeting of the State Capitol Committee (SCC) is on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. and the next CCDAC meeting is scheduled on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 10 a.m. Both meetings are remote access meetings. For more information, visit the SCC and CCDAC website for meeting dates, minutes, and meeting agendas.

Adjournment With there being no further business, Chair Rolluda adjourned the meeting at 5:12 pm.

Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, [email protected]

Approved by CCDAC during its Regularly-Schedule Meeting held on February 18, 2021 without modification.

Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee Alex Rolluda (2020 Chair, Architect-1), Dan Miles (2020 Vice Chair, Architect-2), Secretary of State Kim Wyman, Senator Sam Hunt, Senator Timothy Sheldon, Representative Vicki Kraft, Representative Beth Doglio, Chris Jones (Landscape Architect) and Marc Daily (Urban Planner)

JANUARY 7, 2021 (REMOTE ACCESS MEETING)

Public Comments Received

The attached public comments were received by 4:00 PM on January 6, 2021.

Enterprise Services staff provided a summary or acknowledgment of the public comments received during the dedicated Public Comment Period on the agenda.

One summary response may have addressed multiple comments. From: GREG and/or SHEILA Griffith To: DES SCC-CCDAC Public Comments; Dragon, Kevin (DES); Leap, Nouk (DES) Cc: [email protected]; mgoddu; Gerry Alexander; Brooks, Allyson (DAHP); Karen Fraser; cmoore; ben helle; Vann, Nicholas (DAHP); Greg & Sheila Griffith; [email protected] Subject: LCM Comments by OHS-BHM Date: Wednesday, December 30, 2020 12:50:09 PM Attachments: OHS-SCC.CCDAC Comment 12.30.20.pdf

This message has originated from an External Source. Please use caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email. Contact your desktop support or IT security staff for assistance and to report suspicious messages.

Greetings, on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society-Bigelow House Museum, I am attaching a pdf of our comment letter to the State Capitol Committee and Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee regarding the proposed Legislative Campus Modernization Predesign proposal. Feel free to contact myself at [email protected] and [email protected] should you have any questions. Also, please add these two email addresses to your contact list to receive notifications of future SCC and CCDAC meetings.

Thank you for your assistance. Greg Griffith 360-791-1493 December 30, 2020

State Capitol Committee c/o Mr. Kevin Dragon Washington State Depaithent of Enterprise S ervices [email protected]

Re: Comments on Legislative campus Modernization-Predesign

Dear Committee Members:

The Board of the Olympia Historical Society-Bigelow House Museum (OHS-BHM) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments to the State Capitol Committee (SCC) on proposed Options A and 8 of the Legislative Campus Modernization (LCM) Predesign project. We understand that the SCC will make a decision on which option to pursue for further design and site plarming on the Capitol Campus.

Briefly, OHS-BHM appreciates and supports this effort by the Legislature and the SCC, working in partnership with the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), to maintain and enhance the Capitol Campus as the vital heart of Washington State government and as a safe and efficient workplace for legislators and staff. While we support the project goals, our review of the Alternatives Analysis and SCC and Capital Campus Design Advisory Committee (CCDAC) meeting notes, all options including preferred option a.2 raise serious concerns about the impact of several aspects of the proposal on the campus' historic setting, architecture, landscape, and overall character.

Following are our concerns/comments:

> Our review of the Altematives Analysis reveal that the Pritchard Building will be demolished or substantially altered in both options. We pause to draw attention that Pritchard is individually listed in the National Register of Hjstorjc Places and is historically and architecturally significant for multiple reasons that are barely mentioned in the documents. While acknowledging problems that the building faces, OHS-BHM is unequivocal in recommending that Pritchard be rehabilitated and that any additions/alterations be designed to be compatible with its architectural character. Proposed demohtion/alteration alternatives should be considered o#rry as a last resort and after a thorough vetting of other possible design scenarios with the broader community and professionals with expertise in pertinent fields, such as historic preservation and hi storic architecture.

OLYMPIA IllsTORICAL SOC`lETY-BIGELOW HOUSE MUSEUM State Capitol Committee December 30, 2020 Page Two

> A second comment is our strong concern about the impact of the predesign options on the Capitol Campus plan, historic landscape, and overall character of the West Capitol Campus. Again, we want to emphasize that much of the campus west of Capitol Way is within the Washington Capitol Campus Historic District, listed jn the National Register of Historic Places. Both Options A and 8 appear to pose a threat to the character of the historic district particularly along the south edge, bordering the South Capitol Neighborhood Historic District. Combined with the demolition of the Conservatory and the deterioration of the General Administration Building (also individually listed in the National Register like the Pritchard Building) OHS-BHM is concerned that the integrity and historic character of the district will be significantly diminished. While we acknowledge the functional and structural shortcomings of the Newhouse Building, its architecture and the role it has played in the history of Washington state government is important to acknowledge. If rehabilitation and reuse of Newhouse is not feasible, we recommend that mitigation be provided for its loss. We also recommend thorough analysis of the visual and functional impact of the two options on the South Capitol Neighborhood, a historic district also listed in the National Register. Any identified negative impacts to the neighborhood should avoided if feasible, minimized, or mitigated.

> Like the Newhouse Building, OHS-BHM comments that the two Press Houses have attained recognition as having architectural and historical sigrificance in their own right. The Altematives Analysis indicates the buildings as being "displaced" by redevelopment of opportunity site six by a new Newhouse building. Again, we recommend alternatives to demolition be considered, such as moving and rehabilitating the houses at a new location.

+ The site plan for opportunity site six shows a new Newhouse Building surrounded by what appears to be a large surface parking lot. While we understand the need for parking for the convenience of legislators and staff, we comment that the paving of a large parking lot compromises the historic character of the West Capitol Campus and the integrity of the Olmsted Brothers designed landscape.

> Finally, and aside from our comments about the design and site planning impacts, OHS- BHM expresses our concern that the LCM process has not benefited from broader public notice and input. To reiterate, the Capitol Campus has immeasurable historic, architectural, and aesthetic importance not only to OHS-BHM members and Olympia, but to the entire state. Changes to the campus as contemplated by this project merit a robust effort to seek perspectives and ideas from a much larger audience than has occurred to date.

OLYMPIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY-BIGELOW HOUSE MuSEUM State Capitol Committee December 30, 2020 Page Three

In summary, the OHS-BHM Board of Directors recognize that the Capitol Campus is not a museum, but rather a vital, dynamic, working environment. We support the LCM goals of providing safe, functional, and dignified workplaces for our elected leaders and staff. However, we advocate for additional opportunities for the public and those with expertise in heritage related trades to join the conversation in reaching these goals. In having these larger conversations, we anticipate that the goals of the predesign are achieved while retaining the integrity of this nationally recognized historic place.

In closing, we appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments for your consideration. As our organization works to preserve Olympia history, we have strong interest in following this proposal. Should you have questions, feel free to reach me and other board members at: o]\.hi COITl

Sincerely, ifexan#Ak Olympia Historical Society-Bigelow House Museum

C: Allyson Brooks, State Historic preservation officer Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee Former Senator Karen Fraser Olympia City Council Olympia Heritage Commission Chris Moore, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

OLYMPIA HISTORICAL SOC`lETY-BIGELOvi'' HOL'SE MUSEUM