Landmarks Commission hearing on Ronald School building October 14

The proposed design for the new Shorewood would attach to the south, back side of the Ronald School

A public hearing will be held by the Shoreline Landmarks Commission to consider a request by the Shoreline School District's Bassetti Architects for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new high school attached to Ronald School, a City of Shoreline landmark.

The hearing will be held at 7 pm on October 14 in the Richmond Masonic Temple at 753 N 185th St. The Landmarks Commission will make findings of fact and give a final decision.

During the hearing, anyone may speak or submit written comments. Written comments may be submitted to the Landmarks Commission in advance in care of Todd Scott of the King County Historic Preservation Program.

The School District is planning to incorporate the Ronald School into the design of the new Shorewood High School. Per agreement with the Shoreline Historical Museum board, the new building will only attach to the back wall of the Ronald School, which was extensively remodeled by the Museum to install an elevator.

However, the building must be brought up to the stricter earthquake codes required for school buildings, which would require reinforcement of all the exterior walls.  Under current plans, the Ronald Building's interior would be extensively remodeled and used for performing arts classes. A theatre, similar to the Performing Arts Center at Shorecrest High School would be built to the east of the Ronald School.

Plans for the School District to give the building to the Shoreline Historical Museum and pay to have it relocated fell through when the Museum board was unable to secure new property to locate the building. Under the current agreement, the School District will pay the Museum approximately $800,000 for the Museum to relinquish the building and support the District's plans for the new high school.