Coupeville receives state startup award for downtown revitalization
Historic waterfront district at core of project
by Carolyn Browne Tamler


Coupeville’s wharf is the oldest wharf still standing in the Puget Sound. Preserving and restoring Coupeville’s historic downtown is among the goals of the Historic Waterfront Association.

The Washington state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) recently announced that Coupeville has been selected to receive specialized assistance at the Startup level of the Downtown Revitalization Tier System Network. Communities selected at the Startup level receive assistance to help build or strengthen a local organization to undertake comprehensive downtown revitalization using the National Trust for Historic Reservation’s successful Main Street Approach.
The Main Street Approach emphasizes four critical areas of revitalization: organization helps everyone work toward the same goals and maximizes involvement of public and private leaders within the community; promotion brings people back downtown by helping to attract visitors, shoppers and investors; design enhances a district’s appearance and pedestrian amenities while preserving its historic features; and economic restructuring stimulates business development and helps strengthen the district’s economic base.
There are many complex issues facing downtown areas, especially those in small towns, however as a Startup community Coupeville will now have expert help in planning for the long term preservation of its historic waterfront commercial district while increasing its economic viability. The Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, which will lead the project, has already received strong support from both town and state government leaders, as well as Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, the Island County Historical Society, local businesses, the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce and members of the community.
Mary Alice Sterlling is the current president of the Historic Waterfront Association. She commented, “We are thrilled to receive this Startup designation. Strengthening the Coupeville Historical Waterfront Association will be one of our top priorities.” Other members of the Historic Waterfront Association include: Mayor Patricia Cohen; Steve Bowers from the City staff; Sheilah Crider, Larry Eaton and Sue Karahalios of the City Council; Jill Johnson of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce; Jill Schacht of Casual House/Fox Pointe; and Phil Sikes of Whidbey Wild Bird.
According to Karen Whelan, owner of Kapaw’s Iskreme located in the historic district, “By working together we can help strengthen the economy of the historic Coupeville waterfront area as well as promote awareness of Coupeville and its rich cultural and historical heritage. By using the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Approach and drawing on the expertise of the CTED consultants we will be able to develop events and materials designed to attract visitors, shoppers and investors.”
Rick Castellano, director of the Island County Historical Society Museum points out that the Historic Waterfront Association has already become involved in event planning and hosting. In January the association assumed responsibility for the Penn Cove Musslefest, which took place in March, and planning and coordination is currently under way for the June 23 and 24 Wharf Fest to celebrate Coupeville’s historic ship building and wharf heritage.
Enhancing the appearance of the district while preserving its historic character, sites and structures is a priority for both the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association and the National Trust. The association has made a start on recalling history with its installation of an orca pod sculpture by local artist Brian Yates. Sterlling says, “It ties in with the 35th anniversary of the orca roundups. People walking on Front Street will be able to look over the fence and find the sculptures as a little unexpected surprise.”
Finally the National Trust and CTED will help the Coupeville organize by providing guidelines for economic restructuring and stimulating business development. As a Startup Community, Coupeville will have access to a wide variety of resources as well as expert consultation form CTED as they build a strong organization and funding base and continue to plan ways to increase the economic viability of the historic commercial district while continuing to focus on preserving the area’s historical character. Preserving history and retaining small town charm while stimulating business development and economic growth may seem like an almost impossible juxtaposition of goals, but that is just what the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association plans to do.


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A state grant will help bring economic revitalization to Coupeville’s historic shopping district.