Debate rages over new Olympic sign

Posted by Geeky Swedes on June 23rd, 2008

Remember a few months ago, somebody ripped off the arrow on the vintage sign in front of the Olympic Athletic Club in Old Ballard?

Mark Durall, general manager at Olympic, wants to restore what’s left of the sign with the Olympic Athletic Club logo. But some members of the Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board balked at the idea, because the new sign looks “completely different” than the old sign, reports the Ballard News-Tribune. Durall was asked to come back with a new proposal.

Meanwhile, the manager of King’s Hardware retroactively asked for permission for the PBR mural painted on the side of the building last month. The board unanimously denied his request, and they want him to remove it. As the News-Tribune says, the board rules “with an iron fist” when businesses along Ballard Ave. request changes in their appearance.

Tags: Ballard Facebook

BobSmith Charles

As the financial crisis grips the entire world. We need to be more informed
of the options and choices that we have. Found this website that has a lot
of information regarding reverse mortgage and other mortgage related issues.

The website is dedicated to Mortgage problems faced by real people and the
answers to it. You will find a lot of questions and the answers to those
questions posted by reall real people so it is very informative.

So see the answers to you mortgage questions at What Is Reverse Mortgage

kfcewnxd qtowycxum

lwja fglembhz hjdftn aksq qozne ixol knfzwl

busrider

eFront-Интернет магазин Бытовой и компьютерной техники www.e-front.com.ua

MaverickKK

Yahooooo

Health&Care Mall

Canadian Health&Care Mall started as a multistore based in Toronto and Ottawa in early 90s. Health&Care chain store system has been growing from year to year and finally has resulted in the current online project, as a result of operating not just as a family pharmacy but also as a store of so-called "useful things" . We tried to obtain the benefit from our previous experience and to create a really competing online resource for absolutely any customer. Though the idea is standard you may be absolutely sure that the filling is unique and has no analogues all over the Internet. We would like to admit that our online store is operating independently from the offline store system.

http://www.qweymurlu.com

WinAntiSpyware

Your current antivirus solution is not protecting you
against Spyware and Adware. Get real protection!
http://www.go4soft.net

daisymayrobin

Elttaes: I hadn't seen the final renderings, but the small part of the building that is on Ballard Ave is looking pretty cool! Also, since the upper levels of the building on Leary are visible from Ballard Ave, they had to go under the same scrutiny. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, per se, I'm only saying the Board is pretty tough with their standards.

That said, I also couldn't believe when Weinstein Copeland built the Senior living complex two doors down from The Crocodile Cafe, but it seems all is well! Maybe the elderly like Shorty's Coney Island for hot dogs and video games. : )

Joel

I can't imagine what could be more "the feel of Ballard" than a PBR sign! Lighten up, board!

m

Actually Elttaes - there were rendering and mock-ups and open meetings by the Ballard Landmark District Board several years ago when this was in the planning. It took a long time to get sign off on what we are watching go up now.

I have a lot of respect for the Board - theirs is not an easy gig, between preservationists and progressives and blog trolls....

Elttaes

Robin, are there any renderings on how it will look when finished?

I suspect that senior living might not be suited to the relative "bustle" and noise of main street Ballard on Friday night. And they will for all intensive purposes laid siege to during the farmers market.

Oh well. Sustainable planning working for you I guess. Maybe it will spurn some new eating establishments. I cant see Grandma swinging by The Loft for a $9.00 hotdog.

daisymayrobin

I know the firm that is building the senior living facility that was formerly the Ford dealership, and I do know from their experience that the Board is tough. But, I understand the Board's responsibility and desire to maintain the feel of Ballard Ave since it is designated as an historic street. If you rent the movie Dogfight from 1991 where they filmed in Ballard (pretending it is San Fransisco), Ballard Ave has barely changed at all! It's an historic street and should maintain its unique qualities.

AkGru

Maybe they ought to bring Cold K back in to design the sign like he did the first time...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/125416603_335...

Who's Cold K?

http://www.flickr.com/groups/98329548@N00/pool/

Elttaes

And the sign should be restored to its original design.

Elttaes

I actually think its kind of cool as well. Oh well.

The board I think rules with an iron wallet. Im sure they are working real hard making the new condos at the old ford dealership maintain the "feel" of "old" ballard.

Ben

Also, I think it's great when people commission artists for stuff like this. Would you rather they put up billboards everywhere?

Ben

I was under the impression that the PBR thing was an advertisement, not a work of art. Even so I think it looks good and is completely appropriate. Many old brick buildings (including some in Ballard) have old painted ads on the sides, it's part of the character.

jasmine

Personally, I think the PBR thing is ugly. I'm with you M, they must've had the mindset of "ask forgiveness, not permission."

Truth be told, I do that all the time and it generally works.

M

I'm betting they figured once it was completed they'd get a pass on it. The ol' "apologize later rather than ask permission first" ploy. Glad it's not working.