Sad to see buildings go, but arena needed

I am torn between preservation of Everett’s historic buildings and the opportunity to build something new, productive and needed in our downtown. When the city council met and heard testimony regarding the proposed site for the new arena and events center, I recommended incorporating the facades of the existing historic brick buildings into the design of the new building. In other words, I thought a compromise was in order as long as it was feasible.

Now it appears that the Public Facilities District is going to consider this compromise and conduct a study. The currently accepted “ship” design of the arena does not lend itself to incorporating these historic buildings in any harmonic way. The alternative “brick” design of the arena which was struck down, would lend itself to such. I believe we should literally go back to the drawing board and redesign an esthetically pleasing events center/arena while maintaining as much of Everett’s history as we can.

For those who might question the placement of this new building in downtown Everett, I suggest taking a drive around the large city blocks of the proposed site. You will view a large expanse of vacant lots and dilapidated buildings behind the Hewitt Avenue businesses, a huge waste of space in the core of our downtown.

Let’s stop spending our community entertainment dollars in Seattle, and instead focus on the continued rebuilding of our local economy. The downtown arena and events center, coupled with the planned county parking garage, are major steps in the right direction for Everett.

Board Member

Downtown Everett Association

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