Business Community

Gig Harbor is going Places, as this week’s conference shows

If you think you’ve seen more people than usual in downtown Gig Harbor this week, you’re correct.

Historic preservationists, planners, elected officials, development professionals and Main Street directors from across the state gathered here for the annual Places conference.

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, along with the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and its Main Street program, sponsored the conference. Gig Harbor’s Downtown Waterfront Alliance hosted it.

The Alliance was designated a Main Street Association in 2011 and became a Nationally Certified Main Street Program in 2012.

Guy Hoppen discusses the Gig Harbor BoatShop during the Places conference. Photo by Charlee Glock-Jackson

Places runs through Friday, Oct. 10. It includes 55 workshops covering such topics as the restoration and management of historic properties, creating community partnerships, conserving cultural heritage and preserving historic cemeteries, how tribal nations in Washington are using traditional knowledge to sustain fisheries, and more.

The conference includes guided walks along the downtown waterfront and side trips to Bremerton, Tacoma, Seattle and other nearby locations to learn how other cities build partnerships and preserve their heritage.

“The Places conference is a great way for us to showcase our community with other officials from around the state who’re interested in preserving their communities and helping small businesses thrive,” Mayor Mary Barber said. “It’s also a great opportunity for our businesses to shine and thrive as visitors will be exploring and supporting them.”

Barber added that local participants  “also have the chance to learn from others about what’s working in their communities and Main Streets.”

Work sessions

Local leaders presented several sessions highlighting Gig Harbor’s preservation efforts.

City Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm and Parks Manager Jennifer Haro led a walking tour of several downtown properties that are now owned and have been restored by the city.

Guy Hoppen, president of the Gig Harbor BoatShop at the historic Eddon Boatyard, talked about Gig Harbor’s  working waterfront and how the community came together in 2005 to save the boat shop. Residents voted overwhelmingly (62%) to purchase the boat yard property and preserve its traditional use.

Gig Harbor residents voted overwhelmingly in 2005 to save the BoatYard. Photo by Charlee Glock-Jackson

“We’re pleased that a place-defining historic site like the Eddon Boatyard has been selected to help host this Places event,” Hoppen said in an email. The BoatShop hosted several work sessions.

The Harbor History Museum hosted a workshop and also the closing reception for the conference. Museum staff also led a historic walking tour of the waterfront. Museum Executive Director Stephanie Lile was part of a session on how museums and local Main Street organizations can combine forces to create more vibrant communities.

“We’re delighted to welcome all the Main Street folks from around the state as well as historic preservation and museum professionals, city leaders, and our partners in the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area,” Lile said.

Conference attendees visited the museum and its new Maritime Gallery. “After all,” she added, “We are the Maritime City and the origin of much of that designation can be found right here in the museum.”

Clare Dunis, special projects coordinator for the Waterfront Alliance, and Lindsey Stover from Harbor WildWatch led a group that visited several downtown businesses to learn about the ongoing work required to maintain a vibrant downtown.

Other sessions

A workshop on preserving historic cemeteries focused on the state’s Historic Cemetery Grant Program that helps communities preserve and protect historic cemeteries.

Another session explored how tribal nations in Washington are using traditional ecological knowledge to support healthy marine ecosystems and sustain fisheries amid climate change and industrial impacts.

Rotary Club member and former Gig Harbor Mayor Jill Guernsey, City Administrator Katrina Knutson, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Miriam Battson, and Waterfront Alliance board member Pat Schmidt led a discussion about building relationships between city governments, nonprofits and service clubs.

Michael Houser, the Washington state architectural historian, speaks during the Places conference. Photo by Charlee Glock-Jackson

Hosting PLACES is both an honor and a milestone, Waterfront Alliance Executive Director Carrianne Ekberg said. “Gig Harbor has spent the last decade investing in its downtown waterfront; revitalizing historic spaces, strengthening partnerships and building a year-round destination.”

Ekberg noted that many local organizations collaborated on the conference, including  the Chamber of Commerce, Visit Gig Harbor, local nonprofits, and service organizations. Small business in the waterfront district also stepped up by donating space, time and resources to the event. Click here to view the complete Places program.

Allison Campbell of the Washington State Historical Society speaks during the Places conference in Gig Harbor this week. Photo by Charlee Glock-Jackson