Landmark Challenge
Deadline: July 11, 2012, 5:00PM (PDT)  
Contact: Flo Lentz 206 296.8682
Higo Variety Store, Nihonmachi (Japantown), 2011 courtesy of Paul Murakami

Higo Variety Store, Nihonmachi (Japantown) © 2011
courtesy of Paul Murakami
2011 Landmark Challenge Grant recipient

Historic buildings, sites, neighborhoods, and landscapes are at the heart of every community's identity. The preservation of historic places offers a sustainable boost to the economy, conserves energy and resources, making our neighborhoods unique places.

4Culture's Landmark Challenge Grants support "bricks and mortar" projects involving buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that have been officially designated as landmarks in any and every community in King County, including the city of Seattle. This program does require a one-to-one cash match, with a minimum request of $10,000.

In 2011, 10 of 17 applicants were awarded a total $142,500. 4Culture supports this program with interest earned on the investment of Lodging Tax funds.

Guidelines and Process for 2012 Program Below  |  Deadline: July 11, 2012, 5:00PM (PDT)  

pdf preview application
 with help notes
individuals | organizations

pdf sample successful
 applications
individuals | organizations

Who Can Apply

Stewards of Landmark properties 

Eligible Properties are located within King County, and are:

  • Designated as an official City Landmark,
  • Designated as an official King County Landmark,
  • Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in a community that has no operating landmarks ordinance, or
  • A contributing property located within a City, King County, or National Register historic district

Eligible Applicants are:

  • Owners of record, including non-profit organizations, public agencies, and businesses or private individuals, or
  • Leaseholders with a minimum 10-year lease, with approval of owner of record

What Gets Funded

Project planning, design, materials, labor, permits and fees 

Eligible Activities are:

  • Strategic project planning (including structural or conditions assessments, preservation plans, and cost estimating)
  • Architectural and engineering design; construction drawings; bid documents
  • Building permits and fees
  • Materials and contracted labor
  • Essential building systems; landscaping (if historically significant)
  • Project management costs, up to 15% of the grant award
  • Not eligible: acquisition, new additions, and routine maintenance

When to Apply

2012 Program Deadline: July 11, 2012, 5:00PM (PDT)

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Online application period opens May 8, 2012. Projects, or portions thereof, funded through this program may begin no earlier than October 1, 2012.

How Awards are Made

Review criteria and competitive selection process 

Landmark Challenge Grant awardees are selected by a panel of preservation professionals, based on the following criteria:

Review Criteria

Quality & Significance
Impact & Public Benefit
  • Project will in some way benefit the general public - residents, schools, local organizations, or tourists. (Occasional public access to the exterior of the property is required if not visible from a public right-of-way) and
  • Project will stimulate additional economic activity in the neighborhood or community, and/or
  • Project will aid in the long-term preservation and continued use of the landmark property
Feasibility
  • Readiness to undertake project this year
  • Required one-to-one cash match identified
  • Demonstrated experience and skills of the project team, and
  • Credible cost estimates from experienced contractor in hand, and
  • Ability of the applicant to undertake the project on a reimbursement basis and to handle unforeseen cost overruns
Additional Program Priorities
  • Project addresses an urgent preservation or stabilization need
  • Project adds to diversity of project types within applicant pool
  • Project is not eligible for any other 4Culture "bricks and mortar" funding programs

Applications from under-represented geographic areas or populations will be prioritized if above criteria are met.

Competitive Selection Process and Timeline

  1. May - July: Indicate your Intent to Apply - Prior to preparing an application, applicants must contact the Program Coordinator to discuss the proposed project. First-time applicants must also schedule a site visit!
  2. For tips on preparing a strong application, attend a free workshop at 4Culture
  3. Flo Lentz is your primary contact for the Landmark Challenge Program. Contact Flo Lentz at (206) 296-8682.
  4. Application deadline: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
  5. Early August: peer review panel meets to review and score applications
  6. September: panel recommendations reviewed and approved by 4Culture's Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and by 4Culture Board of Directors.
  7. Late September: applicants receive formal notification from 4Culture.
  8. 4Culture staff works with award recipients to develop a Contract for specific work to be funded. The contract will specify a schedule for reimbursement payments to be made upon submittal of documented project expenditures. The contract will also specify insurance requirements, and public benefit obligations to be recorded with property title.
  9. Projects must be underway within 12 months of the day the award is approved by the 4Culture Board.

Requirements and appeals

Learn about the legal requirements of award recipients, and about the process for appeal of a 4Culture award here.

FAQ

  • How large are Landmark Challenge Grants?
  • Awards have ranged as high as $25,000 over the past two years. This year, the minimum award request is $10,000.
  • Must I have the required one-to-one cash match on hand at the time of application?
  • No, the cash match may consist of one, or some combination, of the following:
  • • Documentable expenses directly related to this project, incurred over the past year - since July 11, 2011
  • • Cash on hand
  • • Funds to be raised in the coming year - by July 11, 2013
  • Note: Other 4Culture funding may not be used as a match for this program
  • If I'm awarded funding, will I get the money up front?
  • No, 4Culture awards are made on a reimbursement basis. Payments may be made in one or more increments. For Landmark Challenge Grants, all reimbursements will be at 50% of documented expenditure to account for the cash match requirement.
  • What are my obligations if I receive an award?
  • All recipients of Landmark Challenge Grant Funds must meet defined insurance and public benefit requirements. For private property owners, public benefit requirements will be recorded with the property title. Award recipients must obtain all required design review approvals and permits from the appropriate jurisdiction prior to beginning construction.
  • Will 4Culture staff help me with my application?
  • Yes. Call or email us to indicate your Intent to Apply, and to set up a site visit (required for first- time applicants). You are strongly encouraged to attend a free workshop at 4Culture, noon-1pm, Wednesdays, May 23, 30; and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. We are happy to answer questions and give pointers.
  • Who do I work with?
  • Flo Lentz is your primary contact for the Landmark Challenge Grants program. Contact Flo at (206) 296-8682 for help on project content. For technical help with the online application, contact Brandi Link at 206 296.8707.

Ready to Apply

How to submit your ONLINE application 

STEP 1 - Read all of the above sections

STEP 2 - Gather and prepare your information

You are required to submit your application using the new online form. This section contains guidance on how to prepare for applying, and the support materials you are required to submit with the application itself.

Support Materials (Required)

There are four items that MUST be prepared and submitted with the online application.

Preservation Priorities form

Complete this table in reference to the broad, long-range needs of your landmark property, and to show us where your current request to 4Culture fits in. You may not submit your own table. You must use 4Culture's form below. [Open this form, save to your computer, complete, and upload to the application].

pdf icon   Preservation Priorities form
  PLEASE NOTE: In order to fill out and SAVE this form, you MUST use Adobe Reader (Download Free Adobe Reader). ATTENTION MAC USERS: The default program for PDF documents on a Mac is Preview, which will not allow you to save information in our form. You MUST USE Adobe Reader instead. Learn how to open our form with Adobe Reader:

Step 1: If you don't already have Adobe Reader, download the latest version for FREE here.

Step 2: Save the PDF document you want to fill out to your computer. (If you are not given the option to save, the document might have automatically downloaded to the folder you have chosen to be your default download folder. Check that folder.)

Step 3: Right-click on the PDF document you saved, choose "Open with" in the drop-down menu and select Adobe Reader.

Project Budget form

Complete this 2-page budget form, entering your estimated project expenses in the orange column, and your expected project income (the request to 4Culture plus your cash match) in the green column. You can add detail as to how you arrived at these figures on the second "project budget notes" page. You may not submit your own project budget form. You must use 4Culture's form below. [Open this form, save to your computer, complete, and upload to the application].

pdf icon   Project Budget
  PLEASE NOTE: In order to fill out and SAVE this form, you MUST use Adobe Reader (Download Free Adobe Reader). ATTENTION MAC USERS: The default program for PDF documents on a Mac is Preview, which will not allow you to save information in our form. You MUST USE Adobe Reader instead. Learn how to open our form with Adobe Reader:

Step 1: If you don't already have Adobe Reader, download the latest version for FREE here.

Step 2: Save the PDF document you want to fill out to your computer. (If you are not given the option to save, the document might have automatically downloaded to the folder you have chosen to be your default download folder. Check that folder.)

Step 3: Right-click on the PDF document you saved, choose "Open with" in the drop-down menu and select Adobe Reader.

Contractor Bids

At least one contractor bid or architectural estimate for the proposed project is required. You can include a second estimate if you have one. [Scan the bids and upload to application; OR, send hard copies by mail, postmarked by deadline].

Images

Send us 6 to 12 current (taken within last 6 months) digital color images (.jpg format preferred), no larger than 2 MB in size each. Images must show entire historic property:

  • In its setting or neighborhood context
  • Each side of exterior of primary structure
  • Features (exterior or interior) effected by proposed project

[Upload images, or copy to CD/DVD and send by mail, postmarked by deadline].

Supplemental Materials (Optional)

Submit any existing master plans, studies, assessments; any existing site plans, drawings or sketches that support your project. [Send hard copies by mail, postmarked by deadline; provide self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like materials returned].

Mail/Deliver Instructions

Any mailed supplemental materials must be postmarked by July 11, 2012, - mail to:

  • Attn: Flo Lentz
  • 4Culture / Preservation
  • 101 Prefontaine Pl S
  • Seattle, WA 98101

 

STEP 3 - Sign in to begin your application

Individuals (private individuals and sole proprietors) must follow the link below to apply for funding. (For a preview of what you will be asked on the online application, click on the 'Preview application with help notes' PDF at the beginning of these guidelines.)

Organizations (larger businesses, non-profits and public agencies) must follow the link below to apply for funding. (For a preview of what you will be asked on the online application, click on the 'Preview application with help notes' PDF at the beginning of these guidelines.)

Note: Once you have started the process of applying online, you can save the information you have entered in each step, sign out, and return to your application any time before the deadline to continue working or to make changes. To access an application you have already started, go to http://apply.4Culture.org and enter your username and password, then select the application you would like to work on under "my applications." IMPORTANT: Once you click "submit" you will not be able to make any changes to your application, but you will still be able to read and print it.

For technical questions about the online application system, contact staff member Brandi Link at 206 296.8707.

START YOUR APPLICATION - Individuals

START YOUR APPLICATION - Organizations

Upcoming Workshops

All applicants are encouraged to attend a workshop prior to submitting your application. These free workshops provide you an opportunity to ask questions, understand specific guidelines, and be taken through a step-by-step review of the application process.

Workshops will be held at 4Culture, noon-1pm, Wednesdays, May 23, 30; and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. We are happy to answer questions and give pointers.

2011

Name Project Title Award
Historic Seattle 1411 Boylston Avenue House, exterior painting project $13,000
Fischer Studio HOA Fischer Studio Building, terracotta and masonry restoration project $11,978
Paul Murakami, Owner Higo Variety Store, sign restoration project $8,402
Phinney Neighborhood Association John B. Allen School complex, systems building exterior brick restoration project $18,161
Town of Skykomish Maloney's General Store, heating upgrades and ADA bathroom installation $17,659
Jan Johnson, Owner Panama Hotel, fire escape restoration project $21,000
The Alliance for Pioneer Square Areaway prism action plan for Pioneer Square $10,300
Achilles Productions LLC Royal Esquire Club, storefront restoration project $24,000
University Heights Center for the Community Association University Heights Elementary School, fire prevention and safety improvements $10,000
Bernie Kay, Owner West Kong Yick Building, structural stabilization $8,000

2010

Name Project Title Award
University Heights Center for the Community Association University Heights Elementary School, window restoration $20,000
Kirkland Arts Center Peter Kirk Building, restoration of main and Market Street entry doors $14,941
Mar, Barry Atlas Hotel, preservation plan $12,400
City of Enumclaw Enumclaw Activity Center/Fieldhouse, replace roof system $25,000
City of Seattle, Seattle Center Seattle Center Horiuchi Mural, repair mosaic tiles and roofcap $20,000
Seattle Church of Christ former 7th Church of Christ Scientist, replace roof system $25,000
Muoneke, Christi Weed Building, facade restoration $18,159

2009

Name Project Title Award
Ruffner, Ginny Cors & Wegener Building, exterior paint $11,000
Historic Seattle Washington Hall, window and door conditions survey and repair $16,000
City of Seattle Department of Transportation King Street Station, ornamental ceiling restoration project $20,500
Northwest Railway Museum Chapel Car 5 "Messenger of Peace" rehabilitation $15,000
1005 Investors, LLC The Ten-O-Five Apartments (Anhalt), boiler and insulation replacement project $10,000
City of North Bend Tollgate Farmhouse, siding repairs and original porch reconstruction $20,000
Phinney Neighborhood Association John B. Allen School (Phinney Neighborhood Center), exterior brick restoration and weathering project $20,000
Blessed Sacrament Church Blessed Sacrament Church, sanctuary renovation $15,000

2008

Name Project Title Award
SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) 5th Church of Christ Scientist / Rainier Valley Cultural Center, porch restoration $10,119
Seattle Church of Christ former Seattle 7th Church of Christ, roof, flashing and membrane replacement $19,779
Northwest Railway Museum Chapel Car 5 "Messenger of Peace," stabilization and restoration of car $20,000
City of Des Moines Des Moines Field House Park, rehabilitation and code upgrade of 1940s wooden grandstand $10,000
City of Seattle Department of Transportation King Street Station, repair of tower clock and lights $22,727
City of Bothell North Creek Schoolhouse, stabilization and restoration $17,000
Seattle Theatre Group Paramount Theatre, restoration of Mighty Wurlitzer Organ_ $11,500
City of Kent Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks, site restoration $13,875
Northwest Seaport Tugboat Arthur Foss, arresting freshwater infiltration to deckhouse and wheelhouse $25,000

So you've been approved to receive 4Culture historic preservation funding.  What now?  Here's what to expect

Notification

4Culture will send a letter to notify you of your award when it has been approved by our Board of Directors.

Contract

In order to be awarded your funds, you must sign a contract with 4Culture. Essentially, 4Culture will contract with you to provide the preservation services and public benefits described in your application. We'll be in touch with you as we prepare the contract to discuss the scope of work, especially if you are not receiving the full funding amount you requested.

4Culture will prepare and mail a contract package to you.

The package will contain two copies of your contract. Please sign and return both copies as soon as possible. Once your contract is signed by 4Culture, a copy will be mailed back to you for your files.

Fill out and submit any enclosed documents – they are required. This may include:

  • One (1) W-9 Form - for the individual owner who will be signing the contract, or for the applicant organization
  • A Disability Assurance of ADA Compliance form – for organizations only

Once you have submitted all these required forms and we have signed the contract, your contract is active.

We do not provide payment up front; all 4Culture awards are made on a reimbursable basis. You must submit invoice(s) with required documentation in order to get paid!

Banners

4Culture will provide a temporary construction banner for your project site, crediting 4Culture as a funder. You are required to hang the banner in a visible outdoor location during the active phase of your construction project.

Invoicing

A blank 4Culture invoice form(s) will be in your contract package. Keep it to use when submitting for reimbursement. Once you complete the work, or an increment of the work as specified in your contract, fill out the 4Culture invoice, attach billings from your vendors or contractors, and send it in to us via mail or fax to (206) 296-8629.

Photographs

Photos are an important part of your final submittal for payment. All preservation program contracts require at least nine (9) good quality "before, during, and after" images.

These must be digital photos, submitted on a disk, as our server does not allow large email attachments to come in through our system. The photos must show how the project progressed, show workers on the job, and be useable by 4Culture to promote its programs in web or print formats. A photo guideline sheet will be included in your contract packet.

Payment

Provided that all of the above steps have been completed, checks will be cut and mailed within two weeks after receipt of your invoice/documentation.

Acknowledgement

We want you to 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax support on any project-related press releases, programs, flyers, etc. Please use this logo on any such promotional materials.

Stay in touch with us about your project! Let us know in advance when your construction work is happening, and send us any news as it progresses. We are proud to support your project and hope we can assist you in making it a success. Please contact Flo Lentz at 206-296-8682 for help.