Wilson memorial could adorn new Capitol lot

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Erecting a permanent memorial to George Wilson, a Scottish immigrant, farmer and businessman in Yakima at the turn of the 20th century could be required before the Wilson Building on Yakima Avenue is demolished to make way for a theater pavilion.

The potential require-ment is contained in the city of Yakima's initial environmental review of the Capitol Theatre's plans to take down the 1902 building.

The nonprofit Capitol Theatre committee wants to erect a pavilion on the site at South Third Street and East Yakima Avenue as part of a major expansion of the historic theater. The proposed pavilion would contain a box office, offices, concessions and other features.

Preservationists say they haven't decided how they will respond to the proposal.

Scott Irons, chairman of the city's Historic Preservation Commission, said Friday the group will have a contractor remove some of the metal siding on the building. The commission wants to find out the condition of the old brick underneath.

Release of the city's environmental review Friday opens a 20-day public comment period. All comments are due April 9 before the city issues a preliminary decision that will trigger yet another comment period.

Planner Jeff Peters said the city is seeking additional comment to make sure the public is well-informed about plans for the old building. Although it hasn't been designated formally as an historic building, the structure does have some historic significance, Peters said.

"Because it does contribute to a historical area, there is some mitigation that can occur to preserve pieces of the building, historical facts or photographic documentation," he said.

The theater has talked with the city's Historic Preservation Commission about the possibility of a memorial to Wilson, who constructed the building originally as a hotel, according to a letter from Capitol Chief Executive Officer Steve Caffery to the commission. The letter is part of the file containing the application.

Wilson also built the A Street buildings the county wants to demolish.

A memorial to one of old Yakima's prominent businessmen is the only unusual measure the city may require of the theater to demolish the two-story building, the city concluded in its environmental review.

Other proposed measures deal with dust control and noise, asbestos assessment and removal if found, and assurance of a water right.

The city suggests if those measures are followed, the project won't have an adverse effect on the environment.

Comments can be submitted to Joan Davenport, city planning manager, at 129 N. Second St., Yakima, 98901.