Whether the Collins Building is eventually preserved or removed, though, a key observation made by Tim Thompson, the moderator of Saturday’s session, will remain valid: As a community, Everett should more effectively channel its passion for historic preservation.

Thompson, a consultant who has been involved in the preservation of historic buildings in Tacoma, said he detected a lack of consensus in the community about which buildings are important to save. Frustration over a perceived lack of preservation is focused on the Collins Building now, he noted, but a broader discussion is needed.

The city of Everett could push that, as government leaders have done successfully in Tacoma.

The city’s Historical Commission produced a master list of historic properties in the downtown area two years ago. That could be a good starting point for city officials to sit down with members of Historic Everett and other interested entities to develop strategies for identifying and preserving historic buildings throughout the city.

A desirable result would be a rational, open, even-handed way to prioritize what’s worth saving, and renovating — perhaps with some contribution of public resources.

Perceptions of favoritism, like those that followed the City Council’s decision to renovate the former Key Bank building for a children’s theater, would be minimized by a consistent, transparent process. And buildings with the deepest historical significance would be more likely to get the attention they truly deserve.