Historic Preservation Commission continues Shipwright's Cottage COA to allow stronger community‑driven interpretive plan

The Historic Preservation Commission continued consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the Shipwright’s Cottage at 900 Innis Avenue — part of the India Basin Shoreline Park — after public commenters, neighborhood groups and several commissioners pressed for clearer commitments on interpretation and interior preservation.

Planning staff and project sponsors presented a rehabilitation plan that would restore character‑defining exterior features, make the building accessible, excavate the basement for usable community space and install code‑compliant structural and accessibility upgrades. The project team said the design retained and repaired historic siding, restored surviving window sash, and proposed limited contemporary openings to increase natural light.

Multiple public speakers — including India Basin residents, the Bayview historical society and community organizations — urged that the cottage’s main floor prioritize a maritime and community history exhibit rather than commercial uses. Michael Hammond and Dan Dote argued that, because the cottage is the last remaining tangible remnant of the wooden scow schooner industry in the India Basin, its primary use should be interpretive and educational, not a cafe.

Rec & Park clarified during the hearing that an earlier iteration showing a cafe was not the current proposal: the First Floor is intended as a welcome center and gallery focused on the site's history; a limited grab‑and‑go option from a local vendor remained a possible sustainability measure. Planning staff and the Rec & Park representative also pointed to mitigation measures in the project’s EIR that require a robust interpretive program for the park and the building.

Commissioners raised detailed questions about interior partitions that may be character‑defining, the type and placement of replacement windows and appropriate materials (including suggestions for fire‑rated wood shingles). Concerns about the timing and substance of community engagement and the interpretive program led the commission to adopt a motion to continue the COA. Commissioner Johns moved to continue to allow Rec & Park to consult with the community and return with an interpretive plan and answers to commissioner questions; the motion carried unanimously and the item was continued to May 5, 2021.

Next steps: Rec & Park will develop and return with an interpretive plan (an interim interpretive plan or outline was discussed as the appropriate immediate deliverable), coordinate with planning staff on materials and window designs, and report back to the commission by the continued date.