Tacoman calls for public input on downtown wall controversy

While the city of Tacoma and Washington State History Museum try to work out their differences over a proposed brick wall, one downtown resident wants the public to offer their solutions.

Museum officials want to construct a brick wall along the sidewalk next to Union Station. The centerpiece of the planned Century Park project, the wall is intended to hold plaques commemorating activists who worked to save the station from demolition.

Soon after work began, the city ordered a halt due to conflict over an easement.

City Manager Eric Anderson said he has met with Museum Director David Nicandri to discuss the matter. “We are working hard to find a solution that works for everyone,” Anderson said. “We both feel a sense of urgency.”

On Oct. 24 Kevin Freitas put an invitation on his website, www.kevinfreitas.net, for people to submit their own alternative design ideas.
Freitas noted there is lingering frustration on the part of Nicandri over the matter.

“I don’t see a real outreach from either the city or Washington State Historical Society regarding public input,” Freitas noted.

Submitted designs will be posted on his site. “Right now there is really no public forum for this. Nobody is asking, but I will pass them on to whoever wants to see.”

Freitas, a website developer, said he wants to help reach a positive outcome over the wall, and he realizes the museum’s interest in having pedestrians walk by its front doors when heading towards Chihuly Bridge of Glass.

Nicandri said the museum remains committed to its goals in this matter, which include honoring those who worked to save Union Station and to enhance the plaza outside the museum in a way that will draw more visitors

“We have particular goals we wish to achieve. We plan to preserve our business goals. We think Century Park does just that,” Nicandri said. “We are prepared to talk to anyone. If other people have ideas, we are willing to consider them. We are open to conversations.”

While it is too early to determine what might result from Freitas’ call for submissions, Nicandri said in theory it is interesting. “We will take it under consideration. There is no monopoly on good ideas. We will discuss ideas with anyone.”

Nicandri said what should drive the process is finding a solution that respects the interests of both the city and museum.

“How can our goals be realized, and are there ideas out there that would enhance them?” Nicandri remarked.

There is no set deadline for moving forward with the project, although Nicandri noted that delays invariably drive up costs, such as the ever-increasing prices for construction materials.

“But the most important thing for us is to do the right thing,” he said. “That is more important than keeping any schedule.”