The Office of Urban Conservation was created in 1975 as part of the Department of Community Development (DCD). It was founded in an era of citizen protests against a proposed urban renewal program that would have demolished Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. The office’s mandate was to coordinate Seattle’s historic preservation programs and administer the city’s landmark boards and historic districts. When DCD was abolished in 1992, the historic preservation program was moved to the Department of Neighborhoods.

The Landmarks Preservation Board was established in 1973 with the mission of preserving structures of historical importance. Its eleven members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The Board must include two architects, two historians, one member of the City Planning Commission, one structural engineer, and one person each representing the fields of finance and real estate management. The other three members have no required occupation or affiliation, although all Board appointees are expected to have an interest in historic preservation.

Originally built in 1929, the Music Hall Theatre was demolished in 1992 after a protracted battle between the property owners and local arts and preservation groups. The building was given landmark status by the city, but the property owners appealed the decision to the Hearing Examiner, who overturned the designation and allowed demolition to proceed. Records in this series were collected during the landmark nomination and appeal process, and include Landmarks Preservation Board correspondence and minutes, legal documents, news articles, and photos. Series also contains records relating to the Downtown Theater Task Force.