The KOMO news piece, shown this evening, was a vivid reminder of the necessity to make our voices heard in this important matter of the disposition of the Admiral's property. To preserve this historical and stunning view property we, as citizens, must insist on a view easement when the property transfers ownership. Otherwise new owners could fail to control invasive vegetation that would obstruct the panoramic views from the Ursula Judkins Park, which I pass regularly. This is a premier "viewpoint" park and should remain as such.
The Crockettier!

I second the need to protect Magnolia views. Viewpoint parks without views are no viewpoints at all! The point being, unless Magnolia residents pressure the Navy and the City of Seattle to negotiate a view easement, new owners of the Admiral's property could allow a tangled web of voluntary maples and renegade blackberry bushes to obstruct what arguably is the most impressive portion of sweeping views that Ursula Judkins' Viewpoint Park has potential to offer the public. To forfeit forever Magolia's premiere views is unthinkable!

While I like the idea of it being the mayors residence (mostly so that it can in effect become a park), could we at least write into the law that only the next mayor can live there?

The immediate major concern to the community is that the views from the City "viewpoint" park and W. Galer may be lost unless a view easement is included in the sale agreement.

Much of the view already has been lost in recent years since the Navy stopped managing the growth of invasive vegetation on the northwest portion of the property.

A wall of alders is spreading eastward (just below the east end of the park) and soon will block out the entire view of the city, Elliott Bay, Mt. Rainier and the cruise ship terminal if nothing is done to stop it.

If the new owners are not inclined to protect the views from the Ursula Judkins Viewpoint Park, the community may lose those views permanently. Email your recommendations to Christopher Runner, christopher.runner@navy.mil.

Photos and facts can be found at: www.navfac.navy.mil Follow tabs: Organization; NAVFAC Worldwide; NAVFAC Atlantic; NAVFAC Northwest; Magnolia Quarters A Public Documents.

it also has an enormous ballroom. in high school, i was friends with the daughter of the lady that had the pleasure of living there. (i don't remember her title.) the place is pretty amazing.

Condos!!

Personally, I feel well-represented by our current city government.

Then you haven't been paying attention.

Why can't they make it a tourist attraction, like they do in Port Townsend? Save the house, save the view, save the surrounding habitat. 1944 isn't exactly historical, but with the right Navy PR it could easily be added to some tourist guides.
And, while I agree with most of what you said, pscottcummins, I'm not sure giving it back to the city would be putting it in capable hands.

Clearly the city should get back the property they donated sixty-plus years ago. When I first heard the idea of a ceremonial "Mayor's Residence" I was dead set against it. But looking at other cities where they incorporate that, leads me to think it would be beneficial for our city.
And it would obviously provide a clear path for preserving and protecting views and habitat in the surrounding acreage - which is on a fragile steep slope and is in desperate need of rehabilitation - currently overwhelmed by invasive non native plant species.
It is really unfortunate that we live in a community where the political climate is so toxic that ideas cannot rise above the personalities associated with them. We need to get back to a more respectful and deliberative civil society in Seattle - but of course our elected officials and city departments also need to relearn what it means to deliver city services based on best practices without the public employee special interests driving the agendas and campaigns which have gotten us into this mess.
Its good idea, but lets been honest, its a non starter in Seattle - where such a huge disconnect exists between government and the governed.

Instead of the Gracie Mansion, we can call it the Nickels' Outhouse?

I kid, I kid... and I agree with you Scott... we need to rise above who our current politicians are and realize that historical gems such as the Admiral's House need to be saved and should rightfully be returned to the city.

Last winter, had it been the Mayor's residence, the Magnolia Bridge (and most surrounding Magnolia streets) would have been the most plowed streets in Seattle while all the other neighborhoods would have been up their $$$$$$ in snow and sludge! This was Seattle property prior to the residence and should revert to the city now. C'mon all you Magnolia lawyers, band together (ugh! What a thought!) and get this jewel back for us.