In regard to Providence Everett Medical Center’s expansion project and the apparent demise of the historical Donovan District, I do not understand why they cannot build up and around the existing structures. This option would not only allow continued service of the existing facilities, but also would increase space. Is it that much more detrimental to the history of Everett to have a taller structure on the location instead of tearing down historical homes and landmarks?

My personal opinion is that if you would rather destroy historical buildings completely, you might as well level the entire city as if it never existed. I am not a native of Everett, nor Washington state, but I just don’t understand the reasons behind the plan that both Providence and the City Council have adopted. Providence has three separate facilities already. Is there no way to aid in expansion by either building up and around the existing structure or finding a large enough tract of land elsewhere besides the Donovan District?

I think that when we decide to desecrate a city’s history in any way we take away what the city itself stands for. Where I grew up, the city decided to keep and renovate the old courthouse and make it a historical landmark while at the same time constructing a new courthouse. Same thing with the hospital. Instead of tearing down anything, they built up the existing structure, while adding on a second structure within the same land plot.

David G. Granger

Everett