Hunt for History in Redmond – The Legacy of Builders Olson & Erickson. Get active and learn more about Redmond’s history. Come celebrate May Historic Preservation Month with a free, family friendly event featuring self-guided bicycle and walking history tours from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, May 14, starting at Centennial Park downtown (across from City Hall).
The history tours will include self-guided walking and biking tours (which can be done by car too) of the exterior of historic buildings near downtown Redmond that were constructed by local builders Olson and Erickson, who worked in the area from the early 1900s through the 1930s.
To take part, pick up maps and clue booklets at Centennial Park on May 14th. Then venture out on bike or foot to the buildings, read historic plaques placed near the sidewalk of many of the homes and businesses and learn about the history of the buildings, the colorful characters who toiled there and architectural trends during the time they were built. At other locations, match architectural details with photos in the booklet.
Prize drawings for the history tours will be held at 11:30am and 1:30pm. If you would like to be entered for the drawing, return completed clue booklets to Centennial Park before the drawings. The first three adult and children booklets drawn at each time showing the correct answers will win prizes. Allow about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete the history tours depending on your pace and if you are walking or biking.
“We are excited for this 2nd annual celebration of Redmond’s rich historic heritage at the same time offering an event for residents to get active and find out how fun it is to explore the City on bike or foot,” said Scott Woodford, Associate Planner and staff liaison to the Historic Landmarks Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
No bicycle? A number of child bicycles ranging in size from 16- to 26-inch frames will be available free for use during the event (first come, first served), courtesy of Redmond Area Park and Recreation District.
“May Preservation Month is a national celebration that communities use to showcase their cultural heritage and built environment and raise awareness of the importance of preserving historic places for future generations. In Redmond, we have a great collection of buildings constructed from the 1920s through the 1940s, and this history tour will feature some of the finest from those eras,” explained Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission Vice Chair Trish Pinkerton.
The City’s Historic Landmarks Commission, in conjunction with Bike, Walk and Roll Redmond, are sponsoring this fun and unique event.
For more information, please contact Scott Woodford at 541-923-7758
The purpose of the City of Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission is to preserve and promote Redmond’s history and culture by:
- Identifying, evaluating, and designating historic and cultural resources in the City of Redmond as landmarks.
- Informing and educating the public on the historic and architectural significance of the designated landmarks.
- Informing and educating the public on the value of preserving Redmond’s historic and cultural resources.
- Soliciting grants and other resources to help promote, advocate and undertake preservation projects in the City of Redmond.
- Protecting and enhance the City’s attraction to residents, tourists and visitors and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry;
- Strengthening the economy of the City.
- Stabilizing and improving property values.
- Any other activities that will help preserve and promote Redmond’s history and culture.
Bike, Walk and Roll Redmond is the new promotional campaign started by the City of Redmond and the Redmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The goal of the campaign and the purpose of the BPAC is to increase pedestrian utility and bicycle ridership in Redmond – to encourage more people to bike and walk around Redmond as a means of exercise, sustainability and community. BPAC represents all bicycle and pedestrian users in Redmond, both current and future by advocating for the development of additional bike and pedestrian facilities that are user friendly, inviting and compelling, reviewing transportation projects from the viewpoint of bicycle and pedestrian users and spearheading encouragement and educational activities.
