J.P. Willison Records

Series

Identifier: 1642-01

Scope and Contents note

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John P. Willison (known as Jack) was director of the Urban Renewal Division from 1963 to 1969. Before coming to Seattle, Willison was director of the urban renewal program in Columbus, Ohio. After the transfer of the Urban Renewal Division to the Department of Community Development, Willison's title changed to Development Operations Director. He was preceded by Talbot Wegg, Urban Renewal Coordinator. Wegg left in 1963 to join a private engineering consulting firm. The Urban Renewal Division was responsible for the development and administration of designated areas for various types of redevelopment, as well as the relocation of area residents who were required to move to make way for improvements.

Willison's records are primarily focused on urban renewal projects. The major projects included are the Central Business District, Northlake, Pioneer Square, South Seattle, and Pike Place Plaza. Administrative files are included as well. The bulk of the records date from 1963 to 1969 during Willison's tenure as Director of the Urban Renewal Division. Contents of the records are described more fully below.

Six images have been digitized and are available at the browse link below.

Dates

Creation: 1959-1971

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Dept. of Community Development (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Urban Renewal Program was authorized by ordinance in 1957, and the first federal funds allocated for neighborhood studies were received in 1959. The program was designed to eradicate urban "blighted areas" in the City. It was initially administered by the Executive Department, and then transferred to the Department of Community Development in 1969. The Urban Renewal Division was responsible for coordinating federal funds for local projects. Conventional urban renewal funding was designated for four neighborhoods: Yesler-Atlantic, University-Northlake, South Seattle, and Pike Place Market. In addition, Neighborhood Development Program funds targeted Leschi, South Park, and North Greenwood. Despite the early identification of neighborhoods and the adoption of urban renewal plans, most projects did not get underway until the mid- to late 1960s.

Full Extent

2.4 Cubic Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Records of John P. (Jack) Willison, Director of Seattle's Urban Renewal Program, include project and administrative files for urban renewal projects.

Arrangement note

Materials have been arranged into two series, Project Files and Adminsitrative Files.

Related Archival Materials note

Researchers should also consult the Documents Database, as many reports authored by the Urban Renewal Division on specific neighborhood projects are cataloged here. Related record series include other Urban Renewal record series in the Department of Community Development.