Protect historic buildings, Monroe urged

MONROE — History lovers want the city to set rules to protect historic buildings from development, a move that they hope will bring in tourists and preserve Monroe’s identity and character.

The time is ripe for creating a historic district along downtown’s Main Street, said Beth Stucker, president of the Monroe Historical Society. The city is studying how to revitalize the downtown, which has century-old buildings.

“It’s been a wish; it’s been a hope,” Stucker said of preserving historic buildings.

The historical society of about 150 members has yet to narrow down a list of buildings that it wants preserved, but the city has several residential and school buildings that make Monroe unique, Stucker said. The city now has no mechanism to designate those buildings historic and keep them safe from bulldozers.

A city can create an ordinance and a commission to register historic buildings with the state and the National Park Service. About 50 cities and counties in Washington — including Everett and Snohomish County — have done so, which makes them eligible for grants to promote historic preservation, said Megan Duvall, local government coordinator at the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

The city of Snohomish has a historic district, although it’s not registered with the state.

“You’ve got to have a vehicle to protect historic places,” Duvall said.

Duvall recently gave the Monroe City Council a presentation about historic preservation and the benefits that it could bring for towns. Historic buildings maintain a sense of place and could boost local tourism, she said.

City Councilman David Kennedy said he is interested in preserving old buildings in Monroe. But the city needs to be careful.

“You have to balance it with individuals’ property rights,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy, a lawyer, uses a century-old brick building in downtown as his office.

Decades ago, the downtown along Main Street used to be the commercial center of the Skykomish Valley. But new businesses have popped up along U.S. 2 over the years, drawing attention and customers from downtown. A new shopping center, anchored by Lowe’s, is being built just north of U.S. 2.

The city is set to spend $151,610 in 2007 and 2008 studying how to revitalize downtown, city planner Kate Galloway said.

If the city doesn’t act now, historic buildings could disappear from the downtown, Stucker said. She discussed pre­serving those buildings with city officials, which prompted Duvall to give the presentation to the City Council.

“It was absolutely a perfect timing,” Stucker said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.