Everett considers changes to Broadway development

Published 9:51 pm Tuesday, October 21, 2008

EVERETT — The neon lights may still be bright on Broadway.

But wrapping new buildings with attention-grabbing neon tubes will be off limits if the Everett City Council today votes to revamp architectural design standards for Broadway, considered a gateway into downtown Everett.

The artful use of neon signs is one of several proposed new building standards for Broadway. Other samples include new regulations for parking lots, lighting, pedestrian walkways, landscaping and building designs.

The changes apply to new construction and major remodels.

“The intent is to make it a little bit more pedestrian-friendly and a little more high quality,” said Allan Giffen, Everett’s director of planning and community development.

The proposed changes are part of a three-mile rezone of Broadway between 41st Street and Everett Community College.

Cornices, canopies, flower baskets, ornamental light fixtures and blooming street trees are among required or encouraged features city planners are proposing for new developments along Broadway.

As Everett plans to cram more people into its boundaries, particularly in areas served by mass transit, Broadway has emerged as an area ripe for a mix of new ground-floor shops with upstairs apartments.

New zoning rules will allow buildings to rise four to seven stories depending on location, with height bonuses for builders who build underground parking garages, provide public space or build expensive water fountains. City planners hope the changes will encourage new infill development.

“That makes sense,” said Hank Robinett, a real estate developer who along with a business partner owns an office building at 1429 Broadway. “Design standards are important, provided they’re not excessive so that it drives you away.”

Among other things, the proposed new rules ban front parking lots and driveways that cut across sidewalks, and attempt to push parking lots to the rear and side of businesses.

Bob Dobler, managing partner at gamut360 Holdings, a commercial development firm headquartered at 3726 Broadway, said “design standards are a healthy thing” but he said new parking requirements could stifle traditional retail developments.

“It’s hard to make a retail development successful if people can’t see where parking is and I think that’s a critical factor,” he said.

During the past few years, Dobler’s company built the Everett Gateway Center, a office and retail complex near Memorial Stadium, and Stadium Center, another retail center, across the street.

It would have been difficult to complete those projects under the proposed new parking rules, Dobler said.

Without a catalyst like a University of Washington branch campus at Everett Station or near Everett Community College, Dobler said he questions whether many mixed-use projects with housing will sprout up along the corridor.

Work on the proposed Broadway mixed-use zone started in late 2006. The Everett Planning Commission last year recommended the City Council’s adoption of the new standards.

Dennis Wagner, an Everett real estate agent and property manager known as “Downtown Dennis,” said he sees good things in store for Broadway.

While revamped design standards will force him to spend more on landscaping at a house that he owns at 3425 Broadway, he said new standards should protect his investment as more properties on Broadway get face lifts.

If the city is “giving the people the opportunity to have a lot more mixed-use, that’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I think it’s fantastic what’s going on.”

Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.

Council meeting

The Everett City Council meets at 8:30 a.m. in the council chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.