Bothell board approves moving Beckstrom Cabin, citing accessibility and shoreline benefits

The Bothell Landmark Preservation Board on Feb. 11 voted unanimously to grant a certificate of appropriateness to relocate the Beckstrom Cabin within the Park at Bothell Landing and to allow new elevated walkways and decking designed to improve public access while protecting historic fabric.

Adam Alsabrook, the city's historic preservation consultant with Willamette Cultural Resources Associates, told the board the project would move the cabin north and west, placing it outside the shoreline buffer and connecting it to a new gathering area between nearby historic buildings. "It is the consultant's recommendation that the Landmark Preservation Board grant a certificate of appropriateness for this work," Alsabrook said, citing compliance with Secretary of the Interior rehabilitation standards numbers 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 and Bothell Municipal Code Title 22, Chapter 28.

Project architects described technical measures intended to preserve character-defining features. The proposal calls for lifting the cabin onto a new continuous concrete stem wall topped with vertical-board skirting intended to avoid creating a false historic appearance; reusing original floor structure where feasible; and installing a full-length raised deck that echoes the cabin's historic porch while allowing views into interior exhibits.

Board members focused much of their discussion on an ADA-compliant galvanized metal grating proposed at thresholds between new and historic work. One board member questioned whether the metal grating was necessary and raised concerns about maintenance and safety: "I truly think it's not a good addition to it," the member said, adding worries about appearance and potential hazards for small children and wheelchair maintenance. Architects responded that the grating improves drainage, is consistent with guidance to make new work visually contemporary rather than attempting to mimic historic materials, and will meet accessibility requirements.

Members also asked about interpretive signage and the display of a recovered school bell. The project team said signage and interpretation plans are being developed separately as part of the park redesign and that the bell would be placed on a plinth in the central gathering area.

Following discussion, Board member Sonafi moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness; the motion, seconded by Board member Olegioffi, included a finding that the proposed work meets Bothell Municipal Code Title 22, Chapter 28 and the Secretary of the Interior standards listed by the consultant. The board voted unanimously to approve the application.

Next steps: the project team said it will move into construction documentation and permitting; staff noted the board will continue discussions about interpretive signage and broader landmark-code updates at future meetings.