Seattle Musical Theatre Receives Grant To Rebuild Sand Point Naval Air Station's Original Movie Theater

Nora Kozloff with nearby Seattle Musical Theatre, located at Magnuson Park, would like to let the community know that the Theatre has recently been awarded a substantial grant and together with funds raised from subscribers, will enable a complete rebuild of the aging stage, called the "Save the Stage project."

Nora added that the Theatre has a 40 year history in this area with the past 13 years spent in Building 47 at Magnuson, using the original movie theater of the Sand Point Naval Air Station, in the historic building.

The original home of Civic Light Opera was the Jane Addams School theatre, where the company performed for 25 seasons. In 2002, the company moved to the Shoreline Community Center, and then to Magnuson in 2004. In 2006, the Board of Directors changed the name to  Seattle Musical Theatre (SMT).

Below is a press release that Nora said " intends to share the news of the Theatre's good fortune with members of both the greater community and our neighbors, many of whom have supported the Theatre over the years, and also to inform the community of the structural changes to the Theatre which will positively impact performances next season."

Nora said the project is fully funded and the Theatre is not seeking further contributions. 

Here is the press release: 

Seattle Musical Theatre (SMT) has received an award from the Morgan Family Foundation to rebuild the stage at their historic theatre in Magnuson Park. 

SMT kicked off the “Save the Stage” rebuild with the support of Artfund’s “power2give.”After meeting the initial target goal, fundraising has continued through Seattle Foundation’s  “GiveBig” and King County Employees Annual Giving Program.  

SMT began its campaign to “Save the Stage” after an inspection in 2016 revealed that the temporary stage built ten years earlier would need to be demolished and rebuilt. This inspection also uncovered a surprise.  

Amidst the sagging timbers was a crescent shaped half wall dating back to the Navy’s construction of the building in 1941; it was the original orchestra pit used to support the screening of silent films.  The location of the pit was apparently too far upstage for musical theatre productions, so a stage extension was built over it. 

Meanwhile, new Artistic Director Tyrone Brown began questioning the location of the orchestra in relation to the stage.  “SMT has been plagued by poor acoustics in this facility.  Why not return the orchestra to the center the way the Navy, in its wisdom, first envisioned it?” 

For the recent production of “Annie,” Brown moved the musicians to center stage, taking out the first row of seats.  The sound quality of the production was greatly improved, though the music at times overpowered the vocals.  

“That’s when we discovered a crawl space under the theatre floor,” noted Brown.  “We stepped up the fund-raising campaign and last week received the wonderful news that Seattle Foundation, through its partner organization, the Morgan Family Foundation, will fund permanently moving the orchestra to the center after dropping the theatre floor about two feet to create the new pit.” 

“We would like to move the original orchestra pit to the new location after the temporary stage is demolished,” says Tom Ansart, Secretary, and SMT board member.  He noted that the old pit is still accessible from the backstage dressing room in the basement.  “I presume the musicians entered the pit from the green room.  Although it probably isn’t feasible to move the existing wall, we can copy its features in the new design.  For historic preservation, we will leave the original wall in place.”

"AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’" is currently showing at the Theatre, followed by "The Producers" in April, then "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" in May and June.

For more information go here.

Opening On City's Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District Review Committee

The City's 12-member Landmarks Preservation Board has an at-large position currently open. and applications are due by end of day Monday, 10/30.    



The information says:

NEWS RELEASE

FROM SEATTLE DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS

Seeking new community member for review committee of Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District

The Landmarks Preservation Board is seeking a new member to serve on the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District Application Review Committee (SPARC).  The open position is for a community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District, one of the City’s eight historic districts.

The five-member Application Review Committee makes recommendations to the Landmarks Preservation Board for Certificates of Approval, which are requests to make physical changes to designated features of the District. Committee meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month and are held at a location within the District. Committee members serve without compensation.

The Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee is composed of:

• Two current or former members of the Landmarks Preservation Board (at least one of whom is an architect).
• Two members selected from property owners, residents, or tenants within the District.
• One community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District. 

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Erin.Doherty@seattle.gov (reference the Sand Point Naval Air Station in the subject line). Interested applicants must be Seattle residents, so please provide your home address to confirm city residence.

Electronic submissions are preferred; however, to submit a paper copy, address it to: Erin Doherty, SPNAS District Coordinator, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, P.O. Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649.

All appointments are confirmed by the chair of the Landmarks Preservation Board.

For more information, contact Erin Doherty at Erin.Doherty@seattle.gov or (206) 684-0380.

Sunday Free Event Celebrating Sand Point Aviation History

Friends of Sand Point/Magnuson Park Historic District are holding a free family friendly celebration of Sand Point Aviation History on Sunday from 10-4pm at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park.

The website says:

Take in a living history presentation, story-telling, demonstrations and more. 

Join us for model exhibits, storytelling, paper aircraft building, an indoor flying demonstration and tours of the Historic District.   

              

We would like to honor as many veterans as possible.  If you are a veteran with history at Sand Point and you can attend, please email us your details at info@sandptnavsta.org.

Return to Sand Point of the Douglas World Cruisers: Chicago, Boston 2 and New Orleans; from the first Around-the-World Flight (Museum of History and Industry)


Events for the Whole Family!

10 am - 4 pm Ongoing Activities Paper aircraft building workshop with prizes "You Can Touch" toy aircraft table Model aircraft displays – PBY Museum and Bob Lucas collection Model airplane building demonstration – NW Scale Modelers Museum of Flight Living History WWII story-telling Slide show of Sand Point Historic Aircraft and grounds Historic photography and artifacts exhibit Finished paper plane display 11:00 - 11:30 am Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance Veterans Honor Ceremony11:30 - 1:00 pm Speakers 11:30 - John Hammers, WWII in the Aleutians, Paramushiro Bombing11:45 - Bill Deller - PBYs and PBMs12:00 - Ray Swalley, WWII, Pearl Harbor, Flying from Aircraft Carriers12:30 - Bob Lucas, The Cold War, the Navy Reserve12:45 - Larry Gill, Weekend Warriors and the Support Facility 1:00 - 2:00 pm Barn Owls Indoor Flying Demonstration2:00 - 3:00 pm Sedentary Sousa Band3:00 - 4:00 pm Speakers Ken Bottini - Pre WWII at Sand Point Jessica Jerwa, The Civil Air Patrol at Sand Point4:00 - 4:30 pm Acknowledgement of Sponsors Announcements Closing4:30 pm Tour of Historical District

Participants include:

Warren G. Magnuson Park	The Barn Owls Radio-Controlled flying group	The Museum of Flight
PBY Naval Air Museum	The NorthWest Scale Modelers	The Navy League
	The Civil Air Patrol

RSVP using the Registration Form.  

Go here to learn more about Friends of Sand Point, their mission, priorities and projects, and history and photos of the Naval Station.       

Sand Point Review Committee Seeking New Members

The Department of Neighborhoods posted this information:

 

 

Seeking new members for review committee of Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District -

 

The Landmarks Preservation Board is seeking three new members to serve on the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee (ARC). The open positions include two positions for property owners, residents, or tenants located within the Landmark District; and one position for a community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District.

 

The five-member Application Review Committee makes recommendations to the Landmarks Preservation Board for Certificates of Approval, which are requests to make alterations to controlled features of the District. Committee meetings will be held monthly at a location within the District or in close proximity. Committee members serve without compensation.

 

The Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee is composed of:

·         Two current or former members of the Landmarks Preservation Board (at least one of whom is an architect).

·         Two members selected from property owners, residents, or tenants within the District.

·         One community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District. 

 

Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. To apply, send a letter of interest and a resume by Friday, March 18, 2016. Please provide your home address to confirm city residence, indicate the position you are seeking, and if applying for one of the owner/resident/tenant positions please include the applicable information. Email your letter and resume to: Erin.Doherty@seattle.gov (reference the Sand Point Naval Air Station in the subject line).

 

Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible. To submit a paper copy, please address: Erin Doherty, SPNAS District Coordinator, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, P.O. Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649.

 

All appointments are confirmed by the chair of the Landmarks Preservation Board. For more information, contact Erin Doherty at (206) 684-0380.

 

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city's boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.

 

Members Sought For Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Review Committee

The City sent out this information:

New members sought for the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Review Committee -
The Landmarks Preservation Board is seeking three new members to serve on the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee (ARC). The open positions include two positions for property owners, residents, or tenants located within the Landmark District; and one position for a community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District.

The five-member Application Review Committee makes recommendations to the Landmarks Preservation Board for Certificates of Approval, which are requests to make alterations to controlled features of the District. Committee meetings will be held monthly at a location within the District or in close proximity. Committee members serve without compensation.

The Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee is composed of:

 Two current or former members of the Landmarks Preservation Board (at least one of whom is an architect);

 Two members selected from property owners, residents, or tenants within the District; and

 One community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District.
 
Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. To apply, send a letter of interest and a resume by Monday, January 4, 2016. Please provide your home address to confirm city residence, indicate the position you are seeking, and if applying for one of the owner/resident/tenant positions please include the applicable information.
Please email your letter and resume to: Erin.Doherty@seattle.gov
(Reference the Sand Point Naval Air Station in the subject line).
Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible. To submit a paper copy, please address: Erin Doherty, SPNAS District Coordinator, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, P.O. Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649.
All appointments are confirmed by the Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Board. For more information, contact Erin Doherty at (206) 684-0380.

 

Learn And Give Input On Future Of Historic Building At Magnuson On Saturday

On Saturday from 1-5, the community can learn about the future of Magnuson Park's most historic building, Building 2, hosted by the Magnuson Park Advisory Committee (MPAC).
 
The community can tour the building, meet experts and explore development possibilities and learn about this historic asset and give input. 

The information says:
 



What is the Future of Magnuson Park’s Most Historic Building?
$30 million Project Seeks Community Input on Uses and Funding

 

The meeting will begin with a rare 40-minute tour of the building. From there, attendees will go to the Officers Club in the newly renovated Building 30 down the street to view current plans and gather information pertinent to the building’s redevelopment which is sure to take a complex mix of partners and funding. The public’s thoughts will be recorded throughout the breakout sessions of the day and used to inform Seattle Parks and Recreation’s support for the building’s development.

Representatives will be on hand from the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, the Seattle Office of Film and Music and Next Step Archery (as part of their larger project, Magnuson Park Center for Excellence). The film industry has long had an interest in using the building as a sound stage, while the Magnuson Park Center for Excellence is hoping to turn the building into a sports complex featuring archery, lacrosse and other athletic uses. In addition to potential developers, information will be available regarding possible funding mechanisms and historical building facts placing it in context within the park and its many master plans.

Originally constructed in 1929, the building is comprised of two airplane hangars and many office and studio areas throughout its 144,000 square feet.

Attendees can register here for the event.  For more information go here.



Become a Member of Friends of Sand Point Magnuson Park

Friends of Sand Point Magnuson Park is accepting applications for new members.

The information says:

The mission of the group is to recognize and preserve the historical significance of NAS Sand Point Historic District.   

Why join? To demonstrate community support and for a stronger voice in carrying out our mission.   

Individual membership is $15 annually (one vote) of $150 for a lifetime membership to 20 years.  Organization membership (one voting member) is $30 annually or $300 lifetime.   

Your application should include your name, email, phone, designated rep and alternate and contact information, address (street, city, state and zip code). 

Send applications to: Friends of Sand Point Magnuson Park, P.O. Box 51223, Seattle WA 98115-6206.  For more information email:publisher@studyusa.com  or go to www.sandptnavsta.org.

Magnuson Open House Tonight On Upcoming And Ongoing Developments

 

An open house event showcasing several new developments within Magnuson Park’s historic district is being held tonight from 5-7pm in the newly renovated Officer’s Club, Building 30 at Magnuson Park, hosted by Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Magnuson Park Advisory Committee and Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange (SPACE).

The information says:
 

What Does 2014 Hold for Warren G. Magnuson Park?

Please join us and enjoy a birds-eye view of Magnuson Park’s historic district and all the exciting new developments taking shape.   This is also an opportune time to meet and connect with other partners and tenants of the park.

Representatives will be on hand with drawings, plans and information on the following projects:

Building 9: Previously owned by the University of Washington, this beautiful dormitory-style building sited along Sand Point Way is now in the hands of the Washington State Department of Commerce. In anticipation of it being redeveloped as approximately 200 units of work force housing, the State Legislature devoted $14 million of taxpayer funding to the project in 2013.
 

Building 18: The old firehouse is about to undergo structural stabilization so that a public or private partner can then fully redevelop and activate this Main Street building.
 

Building 30: If you haven’t yet been in the newly renovated Building 30, and particularly the previously vacant west wing, you are in for a treat. Representatives from S.M. Stemper Architects will be on hand to discuss the special considerations and challenges inherent in working on an old military building and how they worked to retain the building’s defining features.
 

Building 406 (The Brig): Learn about some improvements being made to the building to allow better accesibility for clients and staff of Outdoors for All.
 

Building 11: Magnuson Park is now also the new campus of the Seattle Waldorf High School! Come see their plans which are turning 13,000 square feet of an old U.S. Navy workshop into a beautiful environmentally-oriented school serving 80+ students.
 

Building 11: Cascade Bicycle Club, the country’s largest bicycling club, is intending to grow from their current offices into a new Cycling Center and bicycle destination in Building 11. See their plans and vision for the space.
 

Building 2: Despite a $27 million estimated cost for redevelopment, this large, historically significant and unique building holds great potential. Come envision a future for Building 2 that serves the public through partnerships.
 

Vets Restore: 4Culture will be on hand to share information about the second year of their program, Vets Restore, a program offering training, mentoring, and job placement guidance for returning veterans in preservation carpentry.

The historic district of Magnuson Park continues to evolve from its origins as a former U.S. Navy base to an environmentally friendly campus of diverse organizations. Current projects in the pipeline include those with the Washington State Department of Commerce, Cascade Bicycle Club and the Seattle Waldorf High School and include the creation of 200 units of workforce housing, a Cycling Center, a bicycle destination spot and a new high school. Five buildings in the district have recently, or soon will be, undergoing significant changes and will be the focus of the event.
 

On the heels of the successful re-opening of Building 30, S.M. Stemper Architects will also be on hand to discuss the challenges and strategies used in that preservation project.

 

Participants can also gather information on improvements and partners for Building 9, Building 18, Building 406 (The Brig) and Building 2. 4Culture will be on hand to share information about their Vets Restore program that offers training, mentoring and job placement guidance for returning veterans.

For more information or questions about the event please contact Julianna Ross at 206-245-5457 or julianna.ross@gmail.com. For more information about the park please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Magnuson/.