Historical Note
The Seattle Urban Renewal Program was authorized in 1957 and the first
federal funds allocated for neighborhood studies were received in 1959. The
Urban Renewal Division was located within the Executive Department until 1969
when it was transferred, along with the Planning Commission, to the Department
of Community Development. Talbot Wegg was Urban Renewal Coordinator from 1958
until 1963 when John P. (Jack) Willison became director of the Urban Renewal
Division. Wegg had contracts with the City for code research before 1958.
The Urban Renewal Division was responsible for coordinating federal
funds for local projects. Urban renewal projects included Northlake/University
Addition and Yesler Atlantic. Redevelopment included rehabilitation and
relocation of residents.
Content Description
The Urban Renewal Subject Files consist of administrative files, records
of community groups, and project records. The administrative files include
budgets, standards for rehabilitation, housing codes, and correspondence with
the federal government regarding procedures and standards. There is also
correspondence with the University of Washington and Seattle University
regarding urban renewal projects. The correspondents are primarily Talbot Wegg
and John P. Willison.
The organizations included in the Subject Files include community
groups, such as the Lake Union Advisory Committee, but also regional groups
such as the Governor's Task Force as well as groups from other cities, such as
the Portland Development Commission. The records include meeting notices and
minutes and correspondence regarding common interests.
The programs and projects included in the subject files are primarily
the Northlake/University Addition, the Yesler Atlantic project, and the
Workable Program for Community Improvement. The Workable Program was a plan of
action for ridding the City of blight. The program and projects files include
planning and budget information, as well as correspondence regarding the
projects.
