2802 WETMORE AVE FUNKO 2019-06-25

r Lanie McMullin (Executive Director Economic Development) spoke in support of FUNKO, noting the significance of preserving and reusing the buildings, addition of 175 employees to downtown, benefits to the City art programs and increased tourism. Brian Marriotti (CEO, FUNKO) described the company, the organization and staff, now at 300 total employees, their customer base, and their licensing of over 11,000 licensed characters. He described plans for a ground floor museum and retail space and possible expansion into buildings south of the theatre. He responded to questions from the Commission as summarized below: • Company staying in Everett and relocating downtown where business can be seen as unique to Everett • Most of parking garage spaces are included with the building lease • Company will be reaching out to area colleges for internships in art and marketing • Figures at building and other locations will be periodically changed to reflect current pop culture (e.g., Harry Potter) • Signage will incorporate LED and neon lighting • Consideration for revising marquee sign to 45-degree angle to the building (similar to original building marquee) • Importance of repairing/restoring any building damage when installing or replacing signage • Building will be open to the public six days/week Chair O'Donnell discussed the building history and expressed support of the proposal for its period signage, no impact to the historical building, and benefits to the downtown. Commissioner Good noted that this will draw people of all ages to the downtown. Commissioner Anderson also supported the proposal for its boost to the Hewitt Historic District, its historic signage and drawing more people downtown. Chair O'Donnell called for action on the Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Cameron-Behee moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the interior and exterior modifications to the building. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously. EVERET SSACRE CENTENNIAL Planner Pope . • cussed the on-going work for Metro Everett as part of the City's brownfields grant. He '-wed concepts for extending Hewitt street improvements from Hoyt to the west end • -witt. The concepts include street and sidewalk improvements, expanded bike p. and park/plaza space at Hewitt/Bond at the railroad bridge. The park space may •- • e as part of the mitigation required from BNSF railroad for removing the existing bri• • .:; .d closing pedestrian access to the waterfront. The City is still in negotiations with the •.d regarding access to the waterfront and the Pidgeon Creek and Mill Town Trails. '` , Page3of4