Rosehill

I just answered an email for a reporter from The Gauntlet, Kamiak's newspaper. He asked some interesting questions, so I figured I would share my answers here, as well.

1. The decision to renovate Rosehill or build a new community center has been in limbo for some time and the council finally came to a conclusion on which plan was appropriate for the community. What issues made it difficult for the council to decide what action to take regarding the future of Rosehill?

My answer: Rosehill generated a lot of passion from Mukilteans which made the decision difficult. It was a controversial issue-- saving a building that carried a lot of meaning for residents or creating a new center on the waterfront. Because of the controversy and passion, it was hard to commit to an action and not consider all possible alternatives. And, with time, there was change on the council wihch changed the support for different alternatives. But, we finally did it, and I'm glad we're moving forward.

2. The Rosehill building has been a part of the Mukilteo community since 1893, and has been destroyed and reconstructed over the years. Are there any plans to incorporate the history of the building into the new community center?

My answer: Yes, we are doing some really cool things to incorporate the history. Right now, we plan to have an alcove of about 800 square feet that will incorporate some elements of the building, perhaps the gym floor or some elements of the classroom walls. It'll have great views to the water and be a pleasant contemplative space near the main lobby. Plus, we're hoping we can retain the main archway entrance into Rosehill (the one along Lincoln) to serve as an entrance to the public plaza space. I'm excited to have that arch preserved.

3. As a member of Mukilteo’s teenage community, I can safely say that most of us barely used the facilities at Rosehill, and only occasionally went to the building for community events such as the Lighthouse Festival and the Tree Lighting Ceremonies. What plans for the building, if any, would be of particular interest to the youth of Mukilteo?

My answer: We'll still have space for the Farmers Market (which is maybe not of tons of interest to teens, but could be fun to get some of the hot food-- at times pizza, hot dogs or crepes, and walk down to the beach). Our new parks and rec staff should probably run some programs that might be of interest to teens. The sidewalks between the businesses and Rosehill will be improved, so you could grab coffee, ice cream or something at Riley's (soon to be Diamond Knot Lincoln Ave and open to all ages), and eat it on the plaza or grass at Rosehill.


4. I know the council is still working on plans regarding the community center. However, are there any tentative deadlines that the for construction that the council is hoping to make?

My answer: We're hoping that we could bid the project next year and see construction start then (probably toward the end of the upcoming school year).

5. Old Town Mukilteo has it’s own vibrant look. Will the plans for the new community center’s architecture match this aesthetic or will the center feature a new look for the community?

My answer: We talked recently about incorporating a roof that matches the gabled roofs of homes in the area. The pedestrian connections between the Lincoln courtyard businesses and Rosehill should be improved. It'll be an updated look-- lots more glass to take advantage of the views-- but still have elements that reflect the neighborhood.

6. Eco-friendliness is an important characteristic of life for many members of the community. Are there any plans to make the community center environmentally friendly?

My answer: Our new city hall finish should be finished by November or December this year and will be the first LEED certified city building in Snohomish County. (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a certification system to ensure that sustainable building practices are used). I expect we'll pursue either the same certification or at least use some of the same techniques in the new center. I would love to see a green roof on the large multipurpose space (the theatre/large room space), rain gardens or other improved stormwater drainage, and recycled materials in the construction. It may come down to costs, but I know the council will consider doing as much as we feel we can.