City Light recognized by State Historic Preservation Officer awards

Ross Lodge in Diablo, Whatcom County
after renovation
Photo courtesy Seattle City Light

The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) recently announced that Seattle City Light is one of the 11 recipients for the State Historic Preservation Officer’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation.

Seattle City Light was nominated for its rehabilitation of the Ross Lodge in the company town of Diablo, in eastern Whatcom County. Before starting work on the historic Ross Lodge, Seattle City Light made sure that rehabilitation of the lodge would not damage sensitive archaeological resources in the project vicinity. The 75-year old dormitory has been repurposed as an executive conference center after having been abandoned for more than 20 years.

“We are thankful for the honor granted us by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. This recognition highlights Seattle City Light’s leadership in preservation work and demonstrates our efforts to make historic preservation a priority as the Nation’s Greenest Utility,” Chief of Staff Sephir Hamilton said.

Ross Lodge before renovation by Seattle City Light
Photo courtesy Seattle City Light

Other recent preservation efforts include rehabilitation on the Gorge Inn, the anchor building on old Main Street in Newhalem, part of the Skagit National Register Historic District. “The utility is embracing stewardship of their unique cultural resources in a bold and thoughtful manner. Our hats are off to Seattle City Light,” said Gretchen Luxenberg, a cultural resources specialist with the National Park Service.

The awards program is currently in its 24th year, and exists to recognize persons, organizations and projects that have achieved distinction in the field of historic preservation. This year, the ceremony will be held on May 13 in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building in Olympia. Washington State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks will be the event speaker. The event coincides with National Historic Preservation Month. The awards are given for preservation efforts that epitomize the spirit of the late Valerie Sivinski, a Tacoma-area architect who became Washington state’s first Capitol conservator.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States.