A run-off election will be held this week for a position on the Ballard Avenue Landmark Board, the body that reviews and approves all changes to building exteriors and new construction within the historic district.

John Burreson, owner of The Old Town Alehouse, and Michelle Quisenberry, co-owner of Volterra Restaurant, both on Ballard Avenue, tied for the business owner position in the initial election June 14.

Voters and candidates must live, own property, manage or operate a business in the district to be eligible.

Out of 223 registered voters, only 23 cast a ballot in the election. But that was actually considered a "good turnout," said Heather McAuliffe, coordinator of the district board.

Interest in the board has typically been maintained to a small group, said McAuliffe. But awareness has grown as the street has morphed into one of the hottest nightlife and business districts in Seattle.

An influx of new developments like the addition of the Olympic Athletic Club, along with a four-star hotel, and the arrival of several new businesses on the street, has also sparked more interest. See story of Ballard Avenue, Page 11.

Three board positions expired this year. Voters will go back for a tiebreaker election between Quisenberry and Burreson this Thursday.

Quisenberry said she could offer the board the perspective of a newer business.

"I chose to run for a position because I am thrilled to be a part of such a thriving community..." said Quisenberry, who opened her restaurant just over two years ago with her husband, Chef Don Curtiss.

"Ballard is unique in that it's experienced tremendous growth in recent years, yet it has still retained its connection to its history and sense of tradition," she said. "We chose Ballard Avenue because we were drawn to the close knit community and the excitement of being a part of an up-and-coming neighborhood."

Running a busy restaurant has given Quisenberry the opportunity to build relationships within the community and with other business owners here, she said.

"Having built a rapidly growing business in the neighborhood, I feel that I would be a strong voice for my fellow independent business owners," said Quisenberry.

While Quisenberry touts her "newness" as a valuable quality, Burreson said his 13-year run on Ballard Avenue would bring a bit of the "old guard" to the board.

During the past several years, Burreson has witnessed Ballard Avenue's transformation from a rough and rugged street to an eclectic mix of industry and chic boutiques and eateries.

His knowledge of the streets' history would serve to protect the flavor of Ballard Avenue and keep the board "grounded," while also "bridging the gap" between new and older style businesses, he said.

"More than anything I want to preserve Ballard Avenue," Burreson said. "We all came down here for a reason."

The businesses and residents on the street are facing major challenges with managing the escalating flow of traffic and increasing pressure on parking. And the next few years will spell double the change as retail and mixed-use developments on the street are on the rise, Burreson predicted.

"People are still discovering Ballard Avenue," he said.

While he supports new construction projects, his biggest concern is that the developments are thoroughly reviewed.

"As long as it's done right," he said.

But despite those changes, Burreson said the "neighborhood bones" of Ballard Avenue have remained intact.

"It hasn't lost its character and its eclectic nature," he said. "I think I can make fair decisions that reflect the best interests of the community and the neighborhood."

The Seattle City Council created the Ballard Avenue Landmark District and board in 1976.

Buildings throughout the district, which extends from Northwest Dock Place to Northwest Market Street on Ballard Avenue, are designed to maintain the characteristics of commercial architecture from the 1890s through the 1940s.

The board reviews and approves changes to building exteriors, such as signs, awnings, paint colors, street furniture and new construction. For instance, the number of neon signs is restricted to one per 10 feet of frontage.

Five of the seven-member board are elected and two are appointed by Mayor Greg Nickels. Terms are two years.

John Widell was elected to the resident position and Steve Mako, owner of the BalMar lounge, was re-elected to the property owner position.

Nickels has recommended that Marnie McGrath continue her appointment to the board, which still must be approved by the Seattle City Council. She holds the community historian position.

Elaine Wine is still serving her two-year term under the architect position.

The election will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lagerquist and Morris, 5135 Ballard Ave. N.W., Thursday, June 28. The board meets at 9 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Ballard Neighborhood Service Center. Meetings are open to the public.

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783.1233 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com