 City plans to expand historic home for chamber
by Stacy Goodman
This article appeared in The Issaquah
Press,
June 10, 1998
The Alexander House is busting at the seams.
The historic building once was rescued from the wrecking ball, moved to its
Gilman Boulevard spot from its original location near Lake Sammamish and
renovated for housing the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Visitor's
Information Center and the Festivals Office.
That was a decade ago and space inside the 1,500-square-foot two-story house
is getting cramped.
Suzanne Suther, executive director of the Chamber, said the organization
needs to hire more people if it wants to continue to be a strong player in the
growing community.
"We can't hire additional staff until we have offices where they can
work," she said.
During peak time between Memorial Day and Salmon Days, nine paid staff and
several volunteers work at the Alexander House.
Suther and some members of the original design team revealed to the City
Council last week their preliminary plans to double the size of the Alexander
House, built in 1902.
"We haven't done space studies yet, but the Chamber does think that
approximately 1,500 (additional) square feet will suit their needs," said
Darrell Swanson, of Swanson Architectural Group in Issaquah.
The council authorized the administration to negotiate a 15- to 20-year
$200,000 lease extension between the Chamber and the city. The lease would fully
cover the building addition, which the city would fund upfront.
The two-story addition would be to the west end of the home, the only place
where space is available on the small, triangular lot between Gilman and Rainier
Boulevard.
Maintaining the charm
Several schemes are being considered.
"One of our biggest concerns is to maintain the integrity of the charm
of the building," Suther said.
A porch was added to the house after it was moved, which already changed the
appearance of the historic home.
The Issaquah Historical Society will be involved with planning the addition,
Suther said.
"We want them to be enthusiastic about any changes we might make,"
she said.
The home constantly is being measured, photographed and studied by people
wanting to mimic its design and paint their houses the same colors, Suther
added.
"It's ongoing and has been since the day we opened," Suther said.
"We have tried to keep it homey on the inside as well."
This Article
© 1998 Issaquah Press.
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