Spokane City Council Passes Mary's Place Preservation Ordinance
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~ During Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council unanimously passed Ordinance C36575, which requires property owners seeking to demolish buildings listed under the Spokane Register of Historic Places or those aged 50 years or older to maximize preservation and reuse of salvageable materials.

The ordinance, co-sponsored by Council Members Paul Dillon and Kitty Klitzke, was met with gratitude from Council Member Dillon. "I am grateful for this Administration, the Historic Preservation Office, and the collaborative efforts from Council Members to pass this policy," he stated. He also referenced the recent demolition of Mary's Place as a wake-up call for the community to improve historic preservation policies.

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Council Member Klitzke also expressed her support for the ordinance, stating that as Spokane continues to grow and change, there is an appreciation for the stories that historic buildings tell. She believes that this ordinance will help preserve and possibly repurpose the city's history going forward.

The responsibility of implementing this policy falls on the Historic Preservation Office, which will provide guidance to property owners and applicants on preserving salvageable materials. The new chapter added to Title 15 of the Spokane Municipal Code includes provisions such as deconstruction requirements and exemptions.

The ordinance is estimated to take effect on December 4, 2024. With this new policy in place, it is hoped that Spokane's rich history will be better preserved for future generations.

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