For many things in life, education brings appreciation. The more we know about Ballard's Manning's/Denny's building, the better we can appreciate it.

Thank you, Ballard News Tribune, for the thoughtful discussion about the landmark process and whether the building deserves landmark status. The debate so far has neglected one significant fact for Ballardites - specifically that the building honors Viking architectural tradition. The upside-down boat shaped longhouse was common in Viking times and the apex of a Viking roof often included ornamentation resembling horns or curved wood.

The Manning's building has the proportions of a Viking longhouse and the horned roofline is an abstract reminder of Viking roofs. Long-time residents of Ballard remember that the architect called it a longhouse and wanted to honor the area's heritage. The building should remain in Ballard.

Kristine Leander

Ballard