Toward a New Preservation Framework: Balancing History, Density, and Cultural Continuity in Seattle’s Central District

Abstract

Cities across the U.S. have tried to address the ongoing housing crisis by upzoning to meeting rising housing demand while using historic district designations to preserve neighborhood character. But these approaches often result in further displacement of residents from marginalized neighborhoods. This research examines how ADUs and a new type of historic district could be tools to preserve marginalized neighborhoods, add housing, and prevent displacement of legacy homeowners (owned for 25 years or more). The research was conducted as a case study of the Central District, Seattle’s most significant historically Black community. Using King County and City of Seattle property data, single-family homes were classified based on ownership tenure, home age, and presence of ADUs to evaluate development patterns, spatial distribution of legacy homeowners, and ADU development rates. Interviews with local community-based organizations provided insights into neighborhood perspectives on cultural preservation and ADU development patterns. The results of this research show that while ADUs provide several benefits, significant barriers exist to legacy homeowner development. To preserve the historic community and culture of this neighborhood while providing pathways to address development barriers, a new type of historic district, a “Legacy District”, is envisioned. The Legacy District framework is rooted in Andrea Roberts’ concept of the homeplace aesthetic and draws organizational inspiration from existing programs such as arts and culture districts, conservation districts, and the Covenant Homeownership Program.