Bothell board approves accessibility upgrades for city’s first schoolhouse

The Bothell Landmark Preservation Board unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness Feb. 11 for accessibility upgrades and deferred-maintenance repairs at Bothell's First Schoolhouse, a historic building located within the Park at Bothell Landing.

Consultant Adam Alsabrook summarized the work: removal of existing noncompliant front stairs and the back ramp, installation of a new elevated walkway and decking system to provide accessible entry at the front door, a new matching back staircase, replacement of rotten sills and gutters, and repainting of exterior wood siding to match existing colors. Alsabrook recommended the board grant the certificate, finding the proposed work meets Bothell Municipal Code Title 22, Chapter 28 and Secretary of the Interior rehabilitation standards numbers 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10.

Project designers said the work emphasizes reversible treatments where possible (for example, over-framing existing decking) and intends to keep most major historic facades unchanged. Board members asked whether some existing stairs were original and discussed how to balance interpretive/photo opportunities (the back steps are a popular photo spot) with durability and long-term maintenance. Architects said photographic and visitor needs will be considered while prioritizing preservation.

A motion to approve the schoolhouse certificate as submitted, with a finding that the work meets Bothell Municipal Code Title 22, Chapter 28 and Secretary of the Interior standards, carried unanimously.

Next steps: staff and design teams will proceed to finalize construction documents and permitting and return to the board if additional approvals or clarifications are required.