ABSTRACT
The political and business leaders of Oklahoma City had become enamored with a new plan that promised to transform that midwestern city into a showcase of gleaming glass towers, shopping arcades, sunken gardens, and soaring sky bridges. The city set up an urban renewal authority which, over the subsequent decade, pushed over, tore down, or blew up dozens of older buildings. As Oklahoma City was busy destroying its history, Seattle was taking steps to save its older buildings and districts. Several projects exemplify the unique contribution of Historic Seattle to the fabric of the community. In 1982, after decades of substantial deterioration, Historic Seattle obtained title and secured financing. The buildings were transferred to Historic Seattle, which set to work converting it to community use. In 1992, Historic Seattle purchased the house and set about converting it to 11 units of affordable housing. Historic Seattle has more than proved its worth to the community and the region.
