The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit established by Congress in 1949, criticized the state today for planning to demolish the 619 Western building when it builds the deep-bore tunnel and asked to be included as a consulting party in the project. (Background on structure and the 100 artists who will be displaced is here.) Sent to the cultural resources specialist at the Washington State Department of Transportation, a terse letter says the state has neglected to admit that the project would adversely impact the Pioneer Square neighborhood. An excerpt:

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has concluded that this alternative has the potential to cause high levels of settlement that could severely damage at least two contributing structures within the District.

We are particularly apprehensive about WSDOT's proposed plan to demolish the Western Building, a 1910 warehouse and contributing structure within the District, located at 619 Western. The Western Building is characterized by a rhythmic pattern of original wood and their studios. We are additionally concerned that, contrary to the views of consulting parties, WSDOT has refused to acknowledge that the loss of this building and other Project impacts would cause an adverse effect upon or a Section 4(f) "use" of the District as a whole.

Sent by NTHP's attorney Brian Turner, the missive formally requests that the organization be recognized as a partner under federal law. The full letter is in this .pdf.

UPDATE: WSDOT has sent out a statement, which is after the jump.

Says Ron Paananen, WSDOT’s Administrator for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program:

We welcome the participation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to develop plans for the future of the Western Building in the Pioneer Square Historic District. With their wealth of knowledge and potential resources about historic preservation, we are confident we can reach agreement on plans that best balance the interests of the historic district, the current tenants and property owners of the Western Building, and the needs of the project. It is our intent and hope that we will reach agreement on the right course of action over the next several months.