Such buildings may be eligible for protection from one source oranother, Steinbrueck said. The survey will provide the city'sLandmarks Preservation Board with the comparative data it needs toevaluate buildings nominated for designation as landmarks. It mayalso provide certain Seattle developers with some ideas. There is acurrent flurry of activity in the realm of restoring old buildingsand putting them to modern use.

Steinbrueck defined the "soul of the city," as "what is familiarand has character." Citizen, he said are concerned that it may belost as business districts and neighborhoods are demolished toaccommodate new uses and greater densities. A 1979 surveyidentified buildings of architectural significance but did notcatalog historically significant structures and neighborhoods. Thecity's Department of Neighborhoods, which is leading the surveyeffort, is expected to hire a consultant to help coordinate it.