Arthur Skolnik papers, 1944-2015

Art Skolnik, FAIA, is an architect, urban planner, and preservation advocate. He is best known for his efforts in landmarks preservation, creating innovative public-private partnerships for economic development, and contributing to effective decision-making for urban quality. Skolnik was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 11, 1944. He received his Bachelor's in Architecture from the University of Illinois in 1966 and his M.A. in Architecture/Urban Design from the Pratt Institute in 1968. In 1971, Skolnik was hired as the Pioneer Square Historic District Manager and became the first Historic District Manager in Seattle. In the capacity from 1971 to 1974, he was part of a campaign to save Pioneer Square from urban renewal. Skolnik oversaw the management of both public and private projects and activities within the district. He served as the first city conservator in Seattle in 1975.

In 1975, Skolnik was appointed as the first official Washington State Historic Preservation Officer (the first such appointment in the nation) as well as the State Historic Preservation Officer and Executive Director of the State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Skolnik served as president of the Skolnik Company (previously known as The Conservation Company) beginning in 1978. The company was a consulting firm focused on land-use, architecture, historic preservation, economic development, property management, community advocacy and public policy in Washington State.

From 1984 to 1985, Skolnik served as the Executive Director of the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Council. He directed and oversaw the restoration and rehabilitation of the 16-square block Downtown Gaslamp Quarter Historic District, formerly San Diego’s “red light” district. He returned to Seattle as the Vice President of Real Estate Management at Heartland Real Estate, Inc. and then at the King County Department of Metropolitan Services. After serving as the Principal-in-Charge at Daly & Associates and Executive Director of the Kalakala Foundation, he became active in public dialogue about the future of Seattle’s downtown waterfront especially around the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Skolnik ran for public office three times: in 1979 for the King County Council; in 1998 for the Washington State House of Representatives; and in 2003 for a seat on the Seattle City Council.