Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Tekoa’s Empire Theater could soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places if an effort by local citizens earns approval.
Diane Harp, a member of the Empire Theater committee, took information to the city council Sept. 20 to show her efforts on behalf of the listing.
Beginning in August when she had a week off of work, Harp researched plat maps, United States Geological Survey quad maps and architectural drawings and went to the theater to take pictures.
All of it was to meet the requirements to apply for the honored status.
For a building to be included on the National Register, some kind of history needs to have happened there, it needs to be associated with the life of a historical person, or it has to have distinctive characteristics or architecture.
The Empire Theater application will focus on its architecture.
“The art deco, colored glass, winding staircase, doors, the chandelier,” Harp said.
The National Park Service ultimately decides which properties are granted status.
“Basically, an historic property has to look like it did during the period of its significance,” said Alison Brooks, State Historic Preservation Officer for the Washington Department of Archaeological and Historic Preservation – an independent state agency.
The 280-seat Empire Theater opened in 1940. Closing in 1958, it remained in use for productions during Slippery Gulch Days. It re-opened in its present performance mode in 2000.
The deadline for the Historic Register application is Nov. 17.
At that point, a 30-60 day initial review period will begin for Washington’s Department of Archaeological and Historic Preservation, which then refers eligible applications to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, until a decision will be made Feb. 20 of next year.
The timeline is not set in stone, as Brooks’ department often works with local groups to improve their applications for re-submittal.
“We don’t write it for people, but make sure it’s correct, and in proper format,” said Brooks. “And that the property could actually be listed. It has to have integrity and has to meet criteria.”
She indicated that integrity is defined in terms of setting, feeling, location, workmanship, materials and more.
Examples of Whitman County properties on the National Historic Registry include the J.C. Barron flour mill in Oakesdale, the Gladdish Community Building in Pullman and the William L. Powers house in Palouse.
Part of a Registry application also requires some kind of historical society to sign off on the project.
Since Tekoa does not have one, Harp contacted the Whitman County Historical Society, which quickly agreed to lend their approval.
Fran Martin, Empire Theater committee member, is now gathering further details.
“We thought that if we can get this, we would have just one more wonderful thing to say about our community,” Harp said. “We need to have the Empire Theater a destination place. And having it on the list will really help.”
Appearing on the National Registry of Historic Places does not fully protect a building from ever being torn down.
Action is required by a local district, such as a city council, to ensure against that.
However, a listing on the National Registry often leads to further action.
“It’s a major honor,” said Brooks. “It’s a nice thing to do, and a nice thing to have.”
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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