seattle historic home tours

• Historic Places
• Western Historic Sites

Seattle’s Best Historic Neighborhoods

The Stimson-Green Mansion introduced large-scale English medieval- style residences to the city; today it’s a venue for special events.

There really is more to Seattle than coffee. Pacific Northwesterners identify themselves with majestic volcanic mountains, dense old-growth forests, and islands and waterways that have become daily commuter routes for many.

Though residents purposely spread the myth that it rains in Seattle all the time to dissuade would-be newcomers, the city often boasts blue skies, perfect temperatures, and low humidity—it’s a place that lends itself easily to walking.

Most tourist guides concentrate on downtown and some up-and-coming commercial districts, but I prefer Seattle’s lovely and diverse early 20th-century streetcar suburb neighborhoods. Many of them are linked by the Olmsted Brothers’ park system, one of the largest park and boulevard systems of its kind in the nation.

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Directly east of downtown are reminders of the grace and style of turn-of-the-century Seattle. Along with the 1902 Venetian Gothic Hofius residence, remaining First Hill mansions include the 1901 English half-timbered Stimson-Green Mansion and the 1907 Classical Revival Henry H. Dearborn House (headquarters of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Seattle, respectively). There are also private clubs, such as the 1889 Queen Anne Stacey residence and its 1906 annex, designed to accommodate the University Club, and the 1915 Georgian Revival Sunset Club. Prominent churches are the Italian Renaissance Revival St. James Cathedral, designed by New York architects Heins and LaFarge, and the English country Gothic Trinity Episcopal and Gothic Revival First Baptist churches.

Have refreshments at the Italianate Sorrento Hotel, opened in 1909, while admiring the specially commissioned Rookwood tile fireplace surround in its mahogany-paneled lounge. Or have lunch in the café of the Frye Art Museum (still free to all), designed in 1952 by the region’s most important modernist, Paul Thiry, to house the private collections of Charles and Emma Frye. A significant expansion in 1994 by the firm Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen makes for a memorable small museum experience.

North Capitol Hill

The Eliza Leary Mansion was Seattle’s largest house in 1907, designed for grand entertaining.

A neighborhood rich in architecturally distinctive residences (a section has been designated the Harvard-Belmont Historic District), North Capitol Hill is anchored by one of its most widely used public facilities, Volunteer Park. Its centerpiece is the wonderful Seattle Asian Art Museum, housed in a progressive Art Deco building designed by architect Carl Gould in 1932, at a time when most American art museums were still bogged down in Beaux Arts classicism.

The park is bookended on the south by 14th Avenue East—dubbed “Millionaire’s Row” to reflect the status of its early 20th-century house owners—and on the north by Lakeview Cemetery, where many of the city’s founders lie.

To get a taste of the neighborhood’s residential grandeur, peek into the English-inspired stone and half-timbered Leary Mansion, built 1904-07 on 10th Avenue East and the city’s largest private residence at the time. It houses the Episcopal Diocese offices and is open on weekdays. Marvel at the baronial great hall, specially commissioned Rookwood tile fireplaces, and the master bathroom’s Rookwood water babies frieze.

The view from the Mount Baker ridge; the white terra-cotta-clad, 40-story-high Smith Tower (1914) remains one of Seattle’s most treasured landmarks.

Mount Baker

Although the Mount Baker Park Addition wasn’t the earliest planned residential district in Seattle, it was the largest in 1907, and the first to be integrated into the city park and boulevard system proposed in 1903 by the Olmsted Brothers. The vision of its developers, and the vigilance of its community activists, shaped a remarkably cohesive residential district.

The area has an outstanding mix of architect-designed residences alongside builder-designed speculative homes and bungalows, which make it a classroom for learning about residential styles, ranging from Medieval, Elizabethan, and Italian Renaissance to Spanish Colonial, Colonial Revival, and Prairie School. Its streets follow hillside contours and afford wonderful views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains.

From its beginnings, the Hunter Tract Improvement Company and Mount Baker Park Improvement Club shaped the neighborhood’s polished look. A streetcar line terminated at Hunter Boulevard, giving residents convenient service to downtown. The club was suitably proud that building restrictions prevented “the erection of ‘cheap’ houses, apartment buildings, and undesirable business structures.” The neighborhood center has always been its 1914 Arts & Crafts shingled clubhouse and a handsome 1930 Art Deco commercial building adjoining it, designed by the John Graham Company.

Queen Anne Hill

W.R.B. Wilcox incorporated concrete and brick infill to construct the city’s most beautiful retaining wall—topped by a promenade—on the west slope of Queen Anne Hill.

Queen Anne Hill is the only Seattle neighborhood named for an architectural style. The round or square towers, arched windows, stained glass, and decorative shingle patterns that flourished during the neighborhood’s early development are largely gone. But you still can experience residential design by some of the city’s best architects, along with the views that make this a popular place to live.

Walk the length of West Highland Drive to 8th Avenue West—you’ll be mesmerized by the views from Kerry Park and the Betty Bowen viewpoint. Then walk north along the promenade, with its ornamental lighting fixtures, and make a side trip down and up the stairs of the beautiful concrete-and-brick infill retaining wall designed by W.R.B. Wilcox, complete with Gothic arches.

Carrying the original name of a wooded ravine park established in the 1880s, Ravenna is one of a number of bungalow neighborhoods that resulted from streetcar lines that carried people away from industrial and commercial areas. Demand for new housing was stimulated by bungalow plan books and catalogs, and these reasonably priced houses were an ideal choice for first-time home buyers.

This sparkling Japanese bungalow in Ravenna demonstrates the Pacific Rim’s influence on Seattle.

Jud Yoho, Seattle’s self-proclaimed “Bungalow Craftsman,” published The Bungalow Magazine monthly from 1912 to 1918, offering complete working drawings. (To no one’s surprise, these promoted Yoho’s construction firm, the Craftsman Bungalow Co.)

Ravenna’s residences date from 1909 (the year of the Alaskan-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, held nearby) to the early 1930s. The tree-lined streets are filled with myriad bungalows, including airplane and Japanese forms. Windows display transom lights with leaded, beveled glass in various geometric patterns or motifs. Clad in stone, river rock, shingles, and Douglas fir clapboard, Ravenna’s bungalows evoke the hand-hewn character that we associate with this kind of Arts & Crafts home.

Lawrence Kreisman is the program director at Historic Seattle and has written nine books, including The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest.

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Tags: bungalow historic district Lawrence Kreisman OHJ October/November 2011 Old-House Journal seattle

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For more than 30 years, SAF’s architecture walking tours have served to entertain and educate locals and visitors about Seattle’s rich architectural and cultural history.

All of our guided tours are led by talented volunteers who serve as ambassadors for our beautiful metropolis. Our expert guides are excited to share their knowledge with the public to advance a better understanding of architecture, landscapes, and urban design practices that shape our city.   All tour ticket purchases directly support our educational programs for youth and families.

Tours are approximately two hours in length and run Saturdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. See our FAQs page for more information.

Please note:  A minimum of three people must be registered for tours to take place. Tours with fewer than three registered attendees on the Thursday before the tour will be cancelled.

See what people are saying

The Foundation runs really great walking tours where they cover various neighborhoods/areas around Seattle. You needn't have a background in architecture to enjoy it (though it can help), but really it's a great way to see some unexpected details around town with a great mix of people and led by a knowledgeable guide.

The Greatest Hits tour of Downtown Seattle offers a really comprehensive history of Seattle's rapid development from a pioneer town, to an earnest fledgling city, to a nascent metropolitan area. The neighborhood tours offer fantastic conversation-starters about the residents of the city, and how each place got its character.

The stone to steel tour by Nancy Day is a fabulous way to get to know Seattle architecture. It’s apparent from the gut-go that Nancy knows her stuff. The two hours passed quickly. The pace was perfect not too fast but not slow. I would highly recommend this tour.

Great introduction to houses and history in the Harvard Belmont neighborhood. So much to see and learn about pockets of the city that I have been in many times. Now I will know so much more about what I am seeing as I pass by. Very enriching. Thank you!

Nancy is an incredible guide — her knowledge, insight, and enthusiasm made the tour fantastic. It was helpful how she placed the architectural information into the context of other historical events — also really enjoyed the unique connection with fashion. Thanks Nancy!

Tour design, tour leader were excellent and the contributions of fellow tour members were very beneficial

Can't wait do another tour

I absolutely loved Nancy - she was a wonderful guide. I am sold on SAF tours and will definitely be signing up for more from you!

Ballard Landmark District

Columbia City: Expect Random Encounters

Diamonds & Gold: The Art Deco Skyscraper Northwest Style

Federal Avenue: Understated Elegance on the Park

From Stone to Steel: Seattle Style from Then ‘til Now

Greatest Hits: Chart-Toppers and Heart-Stoppers

Harvard Belmont District: The Rich Life on Capitol Hill

Hidden Spaces/Public Places

High Ambitions: Concrete, Steel, Glass & Egos

Madrona Neighborhood: Streetcar Suburb; Model for Neighborhood Involvement

Modern Beauty and the Pedestrian Experience

Mt. Baker: More Than A View

Purple and Gold: From Gothic to Modern at the UW Core

Queen Anne: Evolution of an Urban Neighborhood

South Lake Union: Then & Now

Through The Looking Glass

SAF also offers private tours for up to 10 guests at a starting rate of $200. Larger groups may be accommodated upon request and cost an additional $20 per person. Please schedule 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and note we may not be able to accommodate all requests. 

Seattle’s Exceptional Architecture

See the city in a new light with this tour of its beautiful buildings., click a photo below to jump to a particular story, or start scrolling to learn about seattle’s significant structures..

World's Fair Influence

Famous Architects

Historic Buildings

New & Refreshed

EXPLORE MORE WITH TOURS & EVENTS

Written by Sarah Anne Lloyd for Visit Seattle’s Official Visitors’ Guide

Back to top, world’s fair finding, a retrovision of the future.

The Space Needle is the most recognizable figure in Seattle’s skyline, and it’s part of a much bigger story. Its home, Seattle Center, was the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. At the height of the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, amid Seattle’s aeronautics boom and in the same year the classic animated series The Jetsons premiered, World’s Fair chief architect Paul Thiry’s vision led to an ambitious collection of futurist works: organic curves distilled into clean lines, dramatic rooflines, and anything that looked like a spaceship. Where these bold creations once predicted what would come, they now transport viewers back in time to a bygone era.

Read about the history of the iconic structures that still stand in Seattle Center today:

Space Needle

This icon, which would become the tallest building west of the Mississippi for a time, started as a doodle on a napkin by fair commissioner Eddie Carlson, inspired by Germany’s Stuttgart Tower. Three architects made it a reality: Pike Place Market preservationist Victor Steinbrueck worked on the tower base; John T. Ridley led design of the top crown; and John Graham, Jr., focused on the distinctive flying-saucer shape.

The 605-foot-tall tower took less than a year to build and debuted with loud, space-themed colors: Orbital Olive, Re-Entry Red, and Galaxy Gold. A drastic remodel, inspired by early concept sketches and completed in 2018, gave the lower observation deck the world’s only rotating glass floor and added angled windows on the upper level for even more compelling views. *400 Broad St; spaceneedle.com

Seattle Center Monorail

The elevated train continues to fulfill its original function, quickly shuttling riders between Westlake Center downtown and the former fairgrounds. It sees its highest ridership during festivals and sporting events—and both terminals received an upgrade to handle the new Seattle Kraken fan base. * seattlemonorail.com

Climate Pledge Arena

Look for the tent-like roof, designed by Thiry to look like a Native American rain hat, atop this landmark structure. Originally Seattle Center Coliseum, then KeyArena, in its latest incarnation it strives to be a zero-waste, carbon-zero, water-conserving pioneer. It now houses the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and the long-anticipated Seattle Kraken NHL team, with plans to continue hosting first-rate live music performances. *334 First Ave; climatepledgearena.com

Pacific Science Center

Fair planners sought a throwaway design for their science pavilion, but architect Minoru Yamasaki (who later designed New York’s World Trade Center towers) drew inspiration from Gothic arches, Islamic temples, and Japanese design for a timeless creation that now houses a popular museum: a set of arches emerging from a courtyard fountain, surrounded by blocky buildings with a whimsical white façade. *200 Second Ave N; pacificsciencecenter.org

International Fountain

The concept of space exploration inspired Japanese architects Kazuyuki Matsushita and Hideki Shimizu, whose huge fountain is a charming piece of interactive art, often synced to music and newly refreshed with lights. 305 Harrison St

SPACE-AGE SCAVENGER HUNT

In 1961, Roland Terry—who helped the city transition the World’s Fair site from a onetime fairground into Seattle Center, a destination that continues to serve the city many years later—designed a futuristic take on a drive-in in Lake City, just north of Seattle. It now houses the bottle shop Growler Guys (8500 Lake City Way NE; thegrowlerguys.com ). The Westin Seattle (*1900 Fifth Ave; westinseattle.com ), finished in 1969, owes its unique two-tower form to Space Needle architect John Graham, Jr. Minoru Yamasaki put a playfully modern spin on downtown skyscraper Rainier Tower (1301 Fifth Ave), whose curved podium has mystified onlookers since 1977. Next door, Rainier Square (401 Union St; rainiersquare.com ), a new development conceived by the firm NBBJ, has a sloping base to complement Rainier Tower’s geometry. Rainier Square is now Seattle’s second-tallest building at 58 stories.

A LIVING LANDMARK

Recent construction and adaptive reuse have helped seattle center grow with the city while maintaining its unique look..

In 2012, Chihuly Garden and Glass (*305 Harrison St; chihulygardenandglass.com ), a permanent exhibition for renowned Northwest glassblower Dale Chihuly, opened at the site of a former amusement park, combining a conservatory aesthetic with colorful glasswork.

A multiuse building found a new life as an engaging residence for beloved indie radio station KEXP (90.3) (*472 First Ave N; kexp.org ) in 2018, complete with a record store and live performance space. The Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan continues to update Seattle Center. In addition to the rebranding and reconstruction of Climate Pledge Arena (334 First Ave N; climatepledgearena.com ), the campus will feature art installations, a skatepark, and the upgrade of the Dupen Fountain wading pool on the north side of Climate Pledge Arena. The parking garage is getting accessibility updates, and the Armory food and event hall façade next to the monorail terminal is being restored to its original art deco style.

STAR-CHITECTURE

Don’t leave seattle without visiting these buildings by world-famous architects..

KING STREET STATION (1906)

The architects: Charles Reed and Allen Stem, known for New York’s Grand Central Station

The building: This train station features a 250-foot clock tower modeled after the bell tower of Venice, on Italy’s Piazza San Marco. A renovation completed in 2014 uncovered ornate ceilings, wainscoting, and mosaic tilework hidden after an unfortunate redesign in the 1960s. 303 S Jackson St; seattle.gov

THE SKINNER BUILDING (1926)

The architect: Robert Reamer, known for the hotels in Yellowstone National Park and art deco buildings in Seattle

The building: Harry C. Arthur and Pacific Theatres, the largest theater operator on the West Coast when this building was constructed, commissioned Reamer to create The 5th Avenue Theatre—a grand performance space with a Chinese theme, lined with reliefs of dragons and flowers inside. *1308 Fifth Ave; 5thavenue.org

SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY (2004)

The architect: Rem Koolhaas, known for glassy, modern buildings that play with perspective

The building: The downtown library is a collage of window-lined cathedral ceilings, open workspaces, hidden nooks, and creative corridors—including the book spiral, which stacks more than three stories of nonfiction books along a shallow, winding ramp. *1000 Fourth Ave; spl.org

MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (2000)

formerly Experience Music Project

The architect: Frank Gehry, known for madcap shapes with deep internal logic, including Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The building: Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen led this development, driven by his super-fandom of Seattle-born guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Gehry immersed himself in Hendrix’s music and used cut-up electric guitars as an inspiration for his design. *325 Fifth Ave N; mopop.org

PAST & PRESENT

Downtown terra cotta.

Some of Seattle’s oldest buildings are adorned with elaborate terra-cotta ornamentation. Take a closer look when you pass by these historic downtown buildings.

1892 | INTERURBAN BUILDING

A lion’s head over the front door welcomes you. 102 Occidental Ave S

1910 | SEABOARD BUILDING

Flatiron-style building with ornate dividing lines. 1500 Fourth Ave

1916 | ARCTIC CLUB BUILDING

Watch for walruses at this extravagant hotel. H 700 Third Ave; arcticclubhotel.com

1916 | COLISEUM THEATER

This early theater is now a retail space. 1512 Fifth Ave

1925 | EAGLES AUDITORIUM BUILDING

Intricate Renaissance-style decoration graces every window and doorway of what now houses ACT Theatre. *700 Union St; acttheatre.org

1933 | OLD FEDERAL BUILDING

Spot lions and rams overhead. 909 First Ave

NEW CLASSICS & FRESH LOOKS

NEW CLASSICS

The National Nordic Museum ’s monolithic new home opened in Ballard in 2018; architecture firm Mithun modeled the central hall after a fjord, branching off into exhibition areas. *2655 NW Market St; nordicmuseum.org

For the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture ’s new University District facility, finished in 2019, Olson Kundig installed glass walls to offer a peek at the restoration, cleaning, and research work that happens behind the scenes. *1413 NE 45th St; burkemuseum.org

40,000 plants thrive in The Spheres , Amazon’s hybrid conservatory and workspace designed by NBBJ in 2018. 2111 Seventh Ave; seattlespheres.com

FRESH LOOKS

A Seattle fixture since 1907, Pike Place Market added a multistory pavilion, jaw-dropping waterfront views, and more space for farmers, artists, and other producers in the MarketFront expansion of 2017. *85 Pike St; pikeplacemarket.org

The Smith Tower was Seattle’s tallest building when it went up in 1911, and a ride in a historic elevator leads to a 35th-floor observatory. A 2016 remodel upgraded the experience, restoring some original ornamentation and adding a speakeasy-style bar with views of the city and Puget Sound. *506 Second Ave; smithtower.com

The Seattle Asian Art Museum ’s historic 1933 home in Volunteer Park reopened in 2021 after its first-ever major renovation, featuring a more open layout, additional gallery space, and a deep cleaning of its art deco details. *1400 E Prospect St; seattleartmuseum.org

The 76-story Columbia Center became Seattle’s tallest building in 1985, a distinction it still holds today. Visibility from its 73rd-floor Sky View Observatory and cafe widened from 270 to 360 degrees following a 2018 remodel, and the enhancements have continued with the recent installation of floor-to-ceiling windows. * 700 Fourth Ave; skyviewobservatory.com

LEARN FROM THE PROS

Seattle architecture foundation.

Book a wide variety of tours under themes like art deco, public/private spaces, and postmodernism. *1010 Western Ave; seattlearchitecture.org

CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

At this public space near Seattle’s waterfront, find exhibitions and programming, or learn about tours and other educational events. 1010 Western Ave; cfadseattle.org

SEATTLE DESIGN FESTIVAL

This annual event, typically occurring in mid- to late summer, celebrates all things design, especially in the built environment—that is, the world humans have created around themselves. designinpublic.org

2021 Seattle Design Festival Trevor Dystra

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A Historic 1908 Seattle House Doesn’t Shy Away from Color and Pattern

It got a modern update while keeping its original character.

Just because a house is old and historic doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with fresh and modern color and patterns. It’s just a matter of balancing everything out, like in this 1908 Seattle home that was originally designed by a prominent British architect. “It is a 6,500-square-foot home with six bedrooms and five bathrooms,” says Kenna Stout of Brio Interior Design , who worked on the project along with her team which includes designer Nat Rauschenbach. “The architectural style has been described as an eclectic American Colonial-Revival with classic Greek and Renaissance elements. Much of the original character was intact throughout with the exception of the kitchens and bathrooms. We designed the remodel for a busy family of five and their two dogs.”

Rafael Soldi

Kenna’s clients wanted the home to feel “bright, warm, playful, unique, eclectic, and colorful.” Since the couple originally had roots in Florida and California, they craved some of those design sensibilities in their new house, like an indoor-outdoor flow and bringing in more natural light and sunshine. “The family wanted their home to reflect their unique family and background while also honoring the original architectural style and details,” Kenna adds.

And those original architectural details were a big influence on the design choices made for the renovation. When choosing newer accents and details, they prioritized character and a high level of craftsmanship. “We also strived to incorporate our client’s vibrant personalities and some unexpected details,” Kenna says. “We layered in bold color and pattern that related to the period while feeling fresh. We incorporated traditional tile trim profiles and patterns and worked with manufacturers that crafted handmade and artisan products.”

The main spaces that needed improvement were the kitchen and bathrooms, which had been through remodels over the years that didn’t quite match the architectural style of the house. The kitchen was in a pseudo- Craftsman style and the bathrooms were very much stuck in the ‘80s. “Increasing functionality, maximizing storage, and adding beauty to create a thoughtfully curated home were at the forefront of our design goals,” Kenna explains. “There were also many rooms that needed to be more fully furnished and decorated. We worked with the client’s existing pieces and completed the home by adding new, antique, custom, and vintage pieces throughout.”

Capturing natural light and connection to the outdoors was the first priority in the kitchen. Kenna achieved that by enclosing the original porch adjoining the kitchen to create a cozy nook that was also functional for everyday living. “The original goal was to include a NanaWall opening to an outdoor deck, but when that was not possible due structural limitations, we opted for windows that would stack fully open over the garden and a breakfast bar under the window on the interior instead,” Kenna explains. “The newly enclosed area needed to serve as a mudroom as well, so we commissioned a copper shoe rack and added hooks for backpacks and jackets. We reupholstered an existing antique settee and added a reading perch above an alcove that was enclosed over an entrance to the lower level to further maximize the functionality of the space. In doing so, we created a warm, sunny place to relax any time of year that functions for a myriad of uses.”

Plenty of storage was added to kitchen, like a concealed walk-in pantry under a staircase, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, and a designated baking area with a roll-out appliance garage. Two sinks and two dishwashers were integrated into the design so the space was ready for entertaining. And hand-blown German glass was used in the cabinet fronts. Live finishes like unlacquered brass, copper, marble, and natural stone were selected since they will develop a patina over time and therefore look like they’ve been there for ages.

The most eye-catching details in the kitchen, though, are the copper range and its dreamy backsplash. The range was the husband’s major ask as he grew up with a copper range and has fond memories of polishing it every year. “The Tiffany blue quartzite countertops and backsplash in the kitchen were a special find while shopping the slab yards with our clients,” Kenna explains. “We all loved the bold statement and unique characteristics of the stone. After performing durability tests, the material held up well and the clients felt good moving forward.”

As for the bathrooms , all of them needed to be updated. In the primary bathroom, the layout was changed to include a comfortable, conversational soaking tub for two; a shower with multiple shower heads and body sprays; heated marble floors; a towel warmer; and a double variety with a custom medicine cabinet. “We added new stained glass windows to add warmth, interest, and privacy in the bathing areas while illuminating the room with warm sunny light. Additionally, we repurposed an adjoining closet to increase square footage and add space for a stacked washer/dryer in the primary suite,” adds Kenna. The other bathrooms were updated with new finishes, lighting fixtures, window treatments, and wallcoverings.

The finished design is a brilliant mix of old and new, and even what’s new looks like it’s been in the house forever. “The owners are very happy with the completed project. They were quite collaborative in the process and the project took on many iterations throughout the design process,” Kenna says. “Overall, we achieved their goals and they are now able to enjoy the fruits of our collective labor.”

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Preservation in Progress

Historic seattle’s blog, archive for the ‘architectural tours’ category.

Historic Seattle & Indow: Spreading Preservation Awareness through Non-Traditional Means

• November 24, 2021
• Architectural Tours

By Kristina Damschen Spina Indow is a Portland-based manufacturer of interior storm window inserts. Our inserts are designed to preserve a building’s original windows by improving their performance in areas of noise, drafts, and energy consumption. We are passionate about historic preservation, so we created a zine to engage communities around the issue.

A zine (pronounced zeen) is a small DIY self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images, often produced via photocopier. The format of making zines—unencumbered by rules relating to form, function, or purpose—allows makers to share stories about anything. As preservationists work to expand the narrative on saving old places, make preservation inclusive, and reach new audiences, zines are one strategy you should add to your toolkit.

The Indow zine theme for 2021 is community sustainability and how we have managed to maintain a sense of community and place in isolation. When we announced this theme, we asked: “How do we celebrate a place when we cannot stand in it? How do we lift up a community when we cannot gather?” We are grateful for creative people like those at Historic Seattle, who answered our question by asking in return: “Who says you have to stand still in a place to celebrate it?” Historic Seattle’s bike tour of historic sites in the Emerald City, which they’ve been organizing for several years, is an ingenious way to safely gather people and honor the city’s old places.

This year’s Preservation Month Bike Tour offered three routes throughout the city highlighting the remaining Paul Thiry architecture. Thiry introduced Seattle to European Modernism, one of the subgenres of which is Brutalism, used widely in the communist countries of the Eastern Bloc. As a result, many Seattleites had difficulty warming to this new architectural aesthetic popping up in the city. Famously, a Thiry-designed home went on sale for $1 but was demolished after no one purchased it. While Thiry’s contributions may not be widely celebrated, they are part of Seattle’s architectural heritage, and we applaud Historic Seattle for teaching this part of the city’s history.

Did you attend Historic Seattle’s Preservation Month Bike Tour? Consider making your own zine to spread awareness about preservation in your community. Check out Historic Seattle’s submission to the 2021 Indow zine for inspiration. You can find this year’s Indow zine and all of our past editions on the Indow online zine library . Past zine themes include preservation and illuminating our cities with neon. Looking through our past zines will help to demystify the process of making your own. Watch out for our online zine submission page for an update on next year’s zine theme.

If you have a great idea for your zine, but aren’t quite sure how to get it off the ground, we got you covered. Take a look at the Indow Zine Resource Center to learn how to create your first zine. Be sure to watch the zine workshop for wonderful insight provided by the panel with members of the Indow marketing team and guests.

Indow is a generous sponsor of Historic Seattle’s 2021 Community Education & Advocacy Programming. This post is part of a series of guest blogs submitted by members of the Historic Seattle community.  The views and opinions expressed in guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Historic Seattle.

Get to Know Author Diana James and Understand Her Passion for “Shared Walls”

• September 04, 2019

In September, author Diana James is set to lead her thrice sold-out North Capitol Hill Apartments Tour with Historic Seattle. Read on to learn more about Diana, including what inspired her book Shared Walls: Seattle Apartment Buildings, 1900-1939 as well as a perhaps little-known fact about the history of apartment buildings.

Historic Seattle caught up with Diana James in the “Heritage Room” of First Baptist Church on First Hill on a sunny August afternoon. “After I finished my degree in historic preservation, the people who had been the stewards of this for over thirty years were anxious to turn it over to me,” said Diana, a longtime member of the church, in reference to the beautifully curated room containing archives and objects reflecting the 150-year history of the church.

Originally hailing from Houston, Diana’s interest in the built environment was initially sparked overseas. “When we were still in Houston my husband, who was an architect, received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts that enabled us to live in England for a year. His focus there was on how new architecture fits in with old. As a result, I saw a lot of great old buildings there and when I returned to the U.S., they stuck with me.”

Her family’s much-welcomed move to the Northwest in 1980 was prompted by an opportunity for her husband to join the locally-founded global architecture firm NBBJ. “It was not until my husband died, and my two daughters graduated from college, that I sold our home in the Montlake neighborhood and moved into an Anhalt [apartment] building at 13 th and Republican. I looked out a back window and realized I was surrounded by apartment buildings, buildings that I had never given much, if any, notice to previously.”

It was her curiosity about the surrounding apartment buildings that eventually led Diana to pursue a graduate degree in historic preservation. “All along I had in my mind that I’d like to write about apartment buildings for my thesis.” While the idea was rejected when pitched for her thesis, “The director of the school said, ‘You can write a book about it later,’ and I thought ‘Ok, I will!’” said Diana.

An apartment resident waves to the group during the 2018 Capitol Hill Apartments tour led by Diana James.

On the process of writing Shared Walls , Diana said, “People LOVE their old apartment buildings. The stories I could tell about gathering information for the book could be a book in itself. You’d think without having a financial investment that wouldn’t be the case, but I heard it time and time again. It was encouraging. I realized all buildings have stories to tell, each one with a life of its own. And as I wrote about them for the book, I tried to honor each place’s unique and individual story.”

“One interesting thing that popped out of my research was how many women were involved in real estate dealing with apartment buildings…owning the lot, hiring the architects, and then either turning around and selling it or keeping it as an investment, I mean in 1905! At first, I thought maybe it had to do with the adventurous spirit of the women that came west in pioneer times, but it wasn’t the case. My research showed that women all around the country were doing the same thing; it was not a phenomenon limited to the West,” she added.

Why and how was this happening? Diana cited several different reasons; one early, local influence was the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850. “The government didn’t want just men to come west, they wanted the civilizing effect that women brought so they gave married women the same land ownership opportunities that they gave men.”

On the role that historic apartment buildings play today, Diana said, “I’m all for contemporary architecture and density, but these interesting buildings save the city from just being a number of boxes lining the streets. They lend character and interest. They embrace and invite community. I have a friend who lives in The Arcadia, and they had a birthday party for their building! Some were dressed up in period clothes. One woman has worked for years writing the history of the building and its residents. The community is like a big family. In another apartment building, a resident that lived there told me he got married in the lobby of the building, and I said, ‘You know what? I happen to know you’re not the only person to ever have a wedding in the lobby of an apartment building!’ We need these tangible reminders of our history, when they’re gone, a picture doesn’t do it.”

Diana’s September tour is sold out. Stay tuned for future talk and tour opportunities. Shared Walls is available at bookstores such as Elliott Bay Book Company .

Modern Happenings

• May 30, 2014

Egg chair and ottoman by Arne Jacobsen, designed in 1958. Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art

Check out these Modern architecture and design-related events!

May 16 – August 31, 2014: Danish Modern Exhibit

The Nordic Heritage Museum goes “Mad Men” with the eye-catching and interactive exhibition Danish Modern: Design for Living . On view from May 16 through August 31, the exhibit highlights the unique furnishing designed and made in Denmark during the 1950s and 1960s. Learn more.

Exhibition–Related Programs at the Nordic Heritage Museum:

PechaKucha Night: Living Loving Nordic Design: Thursday, June 5, 6:00 p.m. PechaKucha Night Seattle returns to the Museum, this time focusing on Scandinavian Design, inspired by the Danish Modern exhibit now on view. First formed in Tokyo in 2003, this 20×20 format features simple presentations of 20 images shown for 20 seconds accompanying presenters’ talks. These informal and fun gatherings have since spread around the world.

Docomomo WEWA Night: Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. An evening of Danish design, remarks, reception, and special viewing of the exhibit Danish Modern: Design for Living. This event is co-sponsored by Docomomo WEWA, a local community of individuals who share a passion for Northwest Modernism. Their mission is to promote appreciation and awareness of Modern architecture and design in Western Washington through education and advocacy. $5 suggested donation.

June 13 and 14: Mid-century Modern Resources Workshop

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) along with the City of Everett is proud to bring a workshop to both sides of the state on Modern Resources. Everett, through a CLG grant, contracted with the National Alliance of Preservation Commission s to plan the workshop.  Wade Broadhead from Colorado and Professor Jo Ramsay Leimenstoll from the University of North Carolina will join Washington State’s Architectural Historian, Michael Houser, to explore how to recognize, identify, evaluate, and apply the Secretary of the Interior Standards to Post WWII Resources.

The workshops will be held in both Spokane and Everett.  The Spokane workshop will be held on Friday, June 13th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Spokane City Hall Council Chambers.  The Everett workshop will be held on Saturday, June 14th from 9 am to 3 pm in the Everett Performing Arts Center.

For more information and to register online, go to DAHP’s website .

Saturday, June 14: Modern Queen Anne Architectural Tour

On June 14, from 2 pm to about 6 pm, the Queen Anne Historical Society will offer Modern Queen Anne, a new tour that focuses on two mid-century structures with unrivaled views, Canlis and the Swedish Club, while stopping by five recently completed homes to learn from the architects who designed them about program goals and the place of their work in the contemporary idiom. (Interiors are not on the tour). The automobile tour starts at 2 at Canlis. The bike version begins at 1:30 at the Swedish Club.

View the poster for this Modern Tour .

Join the tour by sending an RSVP to [email protected] or purchase tickets now at BrownPaperTickets . Members $15; non-members $20.

Mount Baker Home Tour – December 7, 2013

• November 27, 2013
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Image courtesy Mt Baker Community Club

WHAT: Mount Baker 33rd Annual Home Tour

WHEN: Saturday, December 7th, 2013  10 am – 4 pm

WHERE: Check in at Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Drive S, Seattle, WA 98144

The Mount Baker Community Club is holding their 33rd annual Home Tour showcasing six unique historic homes.  This community fundraiser event offers the public a rare opportunity to view the interiors of some beautiful homes built between 1912 and 1926 in Mount Baker’s Cascadia-Lakewood area.  The tour begins at the Mount Baker Clubhouse, and tourgoers can either walk the tour or use the free shuttle transportation.  At the end, they can visit the Arts & Crafts Fair at the Clubhouse, featuring local artists and light refreshments.

A discount is being offered to Historic Seattle members if they purchase tickets through tour’s event page at Brownpaper Tickets .  To get the $20 discounted ticket, click on the link for Tickets , enter the quantity of tickets under General admission; then click on Enter a Password or Discount Code to enter the code (“ Baker “).  Tickets will also be available the day of the event at the Clubhouse for $35.

2013 Ballard Classic Home Tour – Sunday, June 23

• June 07, 2013

Purchase your Ballard Classic Home Tour tickets today!

The Ballard Historical Society’s popular home tour is Sunday, June 23, 2013. Seven vintage Ballard residences of unique character and modern livability will be open for the tour. Three of the homes celebrate their 100th birthdays! To get in on the birthday action, stop by the following local retailers to purchase tickets for $20 using cash or check:

• Sunset Hill Green Market, 6405 32nd Ave. N.W., 206 784-7594
• Secret Garden Bookshop, 2214 N.W. Market Street, 206 789-5006
• Johnson & Johnson Antiques, 6820 Greenwood Ave. North, 206 789-6489
• RE Store, 1440 N.W. 52nd Street, 206 297-9119

Tickets are also available online . In addition, a limited number of tickets are available day of the tour.

Built by skilled craftsmen, the seven vintage homes exemplify lasting quality that continues to support generations of Ballard families. This event happens only once every three years, so don’t miss it in 2013!

When: Sunday June 23, 2013 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. All tickets are will-call only. Exchange your tickets beginning at 9:30 AM day of tour for a brochure with locations. Where: Tour starts at Sunset Hill Community Clubhouse, 3003 N.W. 66th Street, Ballard.

The Ballard Historical Society also needs tour guides (we call them tour “docents”) to work one shift at a home . In exchange, you’ll receive free tickets for the other half of the tour, to visit all of the homes on the tour. Please contact Lesli Billings at [email protected] for details.

About the Tour The Ballard Classic Home Tour is BHS’ biggest fundraiser, which enables the organization to take part in community projects; present free informative lectures related to Ballard’s History and maintain its archives.

About the Ballard Historical Society The Ballard Historical Society was formed in 1988 and is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the unique history and culture of Ballard, Washington. The society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that provides community and educational programs and maintains an extensive photo archive.

Tour Guidelines

• It is a self-guided tour; no transportation is provided.
• It is not wheelchair accessible; there will be stairs and uneven sidewalks.
• Guests will kindly remove shoes before entering homes.
• No children under the age of 12; babes in arms are allowed.
• No food or drink.
• No cameras or video equipment.
• Only a limited number of people will be allowed in a house at a time.
• Due to the location of a few of the homes, parking may be required some distance away.

Please direct media and other inquiries to tour coordinator Lesli Billings at [email protected]. Buy tickets for 2013 Ballard Classic Home Tour

Seattle Architecture Foundation Tours for 2013

• March 29, 2013

View of Seattle skyline from Kerry Park / Photo: Eugenia Woo

The Seattle Architecture Foundation’s tours for 2013 begin in April! SAF has lots of great tours planned for every month from April through December. They’re currently offering a fantastic deal–3 for $30. That’s three tours for $30. Purchase by April 8 to get the discount. Learn more about the tours offered on SAF’s website . Buy tickets online. These tours are a great way to learn more about the city’s architecture. Sign up soon because many will surely sell out.

University Place Historical Society 2012 Home & Garden Tour

• June 07, 2012

Curran House, one of the houses on tour / Photo: National Register of Historic Places nomination form

WHAT: University Place Historical Society Home and Garden Tour

Tour three homes and two gardens.

WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 2012; 1:00 to 5:00 pm

TICKETS: $20; available at: Grassi’s Flowers and Gifts, 3602 Center St.,1702 Pacific Ave. Massimo Italian Bar and Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way W. Westside Community Bank, 4922 Bridgeport Way W. Willow Tree Gardens, 7216 27th St. W.

You may also purchase tickets on June 10 at the Curran House, 4009 Curran Lane, University Place, beginning at noon.

Questions? Call (253) 584-2758

Historic Firehouse Tour in Tacoma, May 19

• May 17, 2012

Firehouse #8, Tacoma/ Photo: Gerry Sperry

Date:   Saturday, May 19, 2012 Time: 4-6 pm Location:   Historic Firehouse #8 in the Whitman Neighborhood, 4301 South L Street, Tacoma Cost:   Free to Historic Tacoma members.  Non-Members $10 at the door.

Tour a historic firehouse that has been adaptively reused as live/work space. On the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, this structure was built in 1909 and served as a fire station until decommissioned in 2003.  In 2005 the unique structure was remodeled to provide warehouse space for With Love Chocolates and living space for the company’s owners on the second floor.  While using the former fire truck parking pads for storage is an easily imagined accommodation, turning the upstairs into a stylish 3-bedroom residence took vision and patience.

Although this property does not have the proportion of residential to commercial use that a traditional live/work would require, the renovation is a great example of how Tacoma’s Special Tax Valuation Program can make a substantial historic remodel financially feasible.

Join Historic Tacoma as for this special tour of an amazing project and learn more about the special tax valuation process.

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Tour a Historic Seattle Estate With Plenty of Tartan

By Laura May Todd

Photography by Douglas Friedman

Styled by Anita Sarsidi

Architect Harrie T. Lindeberg was known as an eclectic figure in the early 20th century. Remembered primarily for crafting weekend homes for the New York elite, he found inspiration in the Italian Renaissance, Colonial Revival style, and even English country houses. And when Brett Smith, the CEO of Propellor Airports , and Kurt Chesko, a secondary school teacher, came across one of the architect’s few West Coast projects during their hunt for a Seattle home base, a Georgian-inspired estate completed in 1934, they knew they had found the one. Better yet, the two-acre estate came with a lush, ornamental garden by the Olmsted Brothers , the same duo responsible for New York’s Central Park.

But though the house was undeniably a gem, it required a well-deserved facelift to “painstakingly bring it back to its original condition,” Smith says. They entrusted the design to South Africa–born and New York–based AD PRO Directory designer Clive Lonstein , who previously worked for Tiffany & Co. overseeing their in-house architecture and design projects. A friend and longtime collaborator of Smith, prior to the commission Lonstein had completed the interiors of a private airport that Smith opened in Seattle in 2019.

When Smith, Chesko, and Lonstein were having their first conversations about the home, the couple’s concerns were twofold: to find a natural yet sophisticated way to display their extensive art collection and to create a cozy retreat from the dreary Washington weather. “Contrary to what you see in the pictures, it’s not always sunny in Seattle,” Smith explains. “We wanted the house to have a very warm, inviting feeling.”

For Lonstein, that meant mixing natural materials, lush fabrics, and understated prints in a way that was in harmony with the home’s original features. For instance, he upholstered the living room sofa in a Loro Piana Aberdeen tartan and draped the adjacent windows in complementary Loro Piana Kelburn fabric. The designer then broke up the plaid motifs with a neutral area rug and vintage club chairs swathed in Toyine Sellers handwoven fabric, both of which provide an earthy counterweight to Smith and Chesko’s eye-catching art. “I like to have each element really stand on its own,” Lonstein says of his process. “Whether it’s a piece of art, a chair, or a coffee table. I love a room to feel like a wonderful collection of pieces versus something that’s really matched.”

This layered approach is particularly legible in the dining room, where the designer let his inborn eclecticism run wild. Starting with a sober woven silk wall covering from Phillip Jeffries , he brought in a Brutalist-inspired mahogany sideboard from the 1970s, vintage Fritz Hansen dining chairs, and an aluminum and lacquer wall-hanging sculpture by artist Anna Fasshauer that resembles carefully folded foil. Above it all, he hung an industrial-style custom pendant made of amber and bronze blown glass tubes. And for the centerpiece of the room? “I’ve always wanted to do a robin egg blue lacquer dining table,” he admits. “Probably because of my time at Tiffany.”

When hosting dinner or cocktail parties, Smith and Chesko find themselves drawn to the glassed-in conservatory, an addition that was tacked on to the building in the 1960s. “This was the unexpected gem of the house,” says Chesko of the light-filled room, which features vintage Bergère rattan club chairs, an Edward Wormley game table by Dunbar, and a 1960s Audoux Minet rope floor lamp. “When we have guests over and the light is low and we’re looking out on Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, it feels like you’re in the 1940s.”

In researching the home’s history, Smith and Chesko discovered the previous owners were equally keen entertainers. The family that had lived in the property in the 1960s was active in Seattle’s art scene and often hosted parties that counted celebrities like Bob Hope and the Beatles as guests. “Their son worked on John Wayne’s yacht and would sail around the Pacific Northwest with him,” Chesko recounts. “And apparently the actor once passed out in the spare bedroom.” In fact, when they acquired the house, there were still a few remnants of their fabulous lifestyle, including a completely cedar-lined attic purpose-built for storing furs, which Lonstein transformed into a walk-in closet complete with a baby blue shelving system.

One thing that’s remained consistent over the decades, however, is the views of the sprawling garden. “In the Pacific Northwest the gardens aren’t overly formal,” Chesko says. “Here, it’s a bit wild. The Foxwoods aren’t perfectly cut; it’s a really cool Seattle take on a formal Parterre garden.” In the spring and summertime, the estate is bursting with white hydrangeas and crawling wisteria vines, which wind around the columns of the garden’s central circular pavilion. In fact, recently the garden became an even more special place for the couple, as they got married there last month.

A sculpture by Romanian artist Nova Mihai Popa sits in the center of the home’s driveway.

“Brett was resistant to patterns, but tartan was one thing we could agree on,” Lonstein reveals. According to the designer, a touch of texture and pattern was needed to make the tall ceilings of the formal sitting room feel comfortable and cozy. The custom sofa and drapery make use of Loro Piana fabrics, the upholstered club chairs are French from the 1940s, the custom coffee table is John Lewis Glass , and the wood-armed club chairs are attributed to Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. The artwork includes a floral triptych by Liza Giles and a 1944 ink drawing by Alexander Calder.

By Sydney Wingfield

By Katie Schultz

By Michelle Duncan

A portrait by Zhang Dali hangs above a Knoll sofa and vintage Domenico Sandri and an Umberto Tubini six-part coffee table in a living room corner.

Eras and influences collide in the home’s formal dining room, where a custom robin’s egg blue lacquer dining table with bronze sabots is surrounded by a 1970s Brutalist-inspired sideboard sourced from 1stDibs , a wall-hanging sculpture by Anna Fasshauer, Ole Wanscher dining chairs for Fritz Hansen , and a custom blown-glass pendant light.

Lonstein opted for all white with chrome and black details in the kitchen, where bar stools by Mark Albrecht Studio sit tucked into an island laid with West Elm vases. The plumbing fixtures are Waterworks and the oven is a BlueStar range.

Lonstein kept things monochrome in the breakfast room with a 1950s Stilnovo suspension light, four And Objects Easton side chairs sourced from 1stDibs , a Nolan dining table from The Bright Group , and a Mobatime vintage Swiss rail clock. On the left hangs a drawing by David Hockney.

In the powder room, a de Gournay custom-painted wall covering of swimming fish encircles a shell-shaped marble sink and a vintage Dupre Lafon green leather cabinet.

At first, Smith and Chesko were unsure of how to approach the home’s glassed-in conservatory, which was added to the building in 1969. But it has since become their favorite room in the house for entertaining. The club chairs are Bergère Rattan from the 1930s, the ottoman coffee table is by Perennials , the vintage game table is Edward Wormley by Dunbar, found on 1stDibs , the sofa is RH , and the tray is vintage Hermès .

In a corner of the conservatory, Lonstein installed a custom bar with Sable Stools by Ochre , a Svend Langkilde wall-mounted bar cabinet, Jacques Adenet crystal ball lamps from the 1940s, and a drawing by Tracey Emin.

The mahogany-lined office has become one of the couple’s most loved rooms in the house, where they often find themselves watching movies fireside on the Loro Piana silk velvet-upholstered sofa during the dark winter months. The sofa sits next to an A. Rudin leather ottoman, the chandelier is Hervé van der Straeten, the rosewood executive desk is Osvaldo Borsani from 1956, the stitched black Leather floor lamp is Jacques Adnet from the 1950s, and the photograph behind the desk is Michael Eastman’s Fidel’s Last Stairway, Havana.

For the primary bedroom, Smith asked Lonstein to replicate the detail and luxury of a five-star hotel. The custom-designed bed is upholstered with Pierre Frey fabric, the silk area rug is from Beauvais Carpets , the wall covering is Phillip Jeffries , the corkscrew side table is from 1stDibs , the walnut coffee table is Giovanni Michelucci from the 1970s, and the painting above the bed is by Janaina Tschäpe.

What was once a dedicated cedar-lined storage room for the former owner’s furs has become a walk-in closet for the couple in the home’s attic.

“We wanted to create a strong, octagonal space here that [had] beautiful views of the water,” Lonstein explains of the concept for the primary bathroom. They contrasted sleek reddish onyx sinks with glossy mahogany wood paneling, white Calacatta marble floors, and a freestanding Waterworks soaker tub that looks out over Puget Sound.

The crystal chandelier in this guest bedroom is one of the few decorative holdovers from the original house. Here, designer Clive Lonstein upholstered a custom-designed bed with Holland & Sherry boiled wool fabric in a deep burgundy tone. The wall sconces are Krems, the bedside tables are the Seringueira Nightstands by Etel Carmona from Espasso , and the area rug is from Beauvais Carpets .

Lonstein paired a graphic Hermès wallpaper with bottle green Heritage tiles in the guest bathroom. The teak cabinet is vintage Nils Jonsson for Torring Møbelfabrik and the tub is from Drummonds Bathrooms .

In a guest bedroom, rumored to have once hosted actor John Wayne for the night, Lonstein created a layered composition of vintage Persian, Turkish Malayer, and Bakhtiaru area rugs from J&D Oriental. The bed is a Sullivan Fabric platform bed by RH , the nightstands are Milo Baughman, sourced from 1stDibs , the lamps are Just Andersen, and the photograph is by Bart Michaels.

Smitt and Chesko keep sports equipment and flower clippings in the mudroom, where the exposed brick has been painted Benjamin Moore’s Caldwell Green .

The home’s rear terrace offers spectacular views over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Brett Smith and Kurt Chesko, pictured with their two dogs. Decades-old wisteria vines wrap the circular pavilion designed by the Olmsted Brothers in the 1930s.

A reflecting pool in the center of the home’s Olmsted Brothers–designed garden.

A decorative painter was brought in to revive the house’s whitewashed brick façade, bringing it back to its original 1934 condition.

By Mayer Rus

By John Wogan

By Paola Singer

Historic Districts

Since 1970, Seattle has established eight historic districts. The appearance and historical integrity of structures and public spaces within each district are regulated by a citizens board and/or the Landmarks Preservation Board in accordance with processes and criteria established by City ordinance.

Some historic districts also overlap with other special review and approval processes. This section provides a brief history, boundary map, ordinance link, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), guidelines, instructions and printable Certificate of Approval forms and guidelines for each district. Each historic district page provides meeting schedules and agendas.

Seattle Historic Districts brochure (pdf)

Neighborhoods

Jenifer Chao, Director Address: 600 4th Avenue, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA , 98104 Mailing Address: PO Box 94649, Seattle, WA, 98124-4649 Phone: (206) 684-0464 Fax: (206) 233-5142 Email: [email protected]

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Tour & Rental Information

Nonprofit meeting space.

To serve as a community resource, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation makes the Stimson-Green Mansion available as a free, small-scale meeting space to non-profit organizations who are members of the Washington Trust or who are sponsored by current members. The space most often available for complimentary use is a 20-person meeting room with an attached restroom, known historically as the Turkish Room. This room is in the basement and can be reached via one flight of stairs. The Library, Parlor, and Dining Room may be available upon request and with a rental fee. Please review our nonprofit meeting guidelines  for more information and complete the  inquiry form for availability and reservations.

The Washington Trust offers regular public tours of the Stimson-Green Mansion and arranges private group and educational tours for students of all ages. Our tours provide insights into the architectural character and interior design features of one of Seattle’s most impressive examples of turn-of the-20th century residential architecture as well as a lively look at the life and times of the Stimson and Green families and their First Hill neighborhood.

Stimson-Green Mansion tours are offered (generally) the fourth Tuesday of each month. The cost is $10 for the general public, but free for Washington Trust members and a guest. (Not a member? Join today! ) Please note that our century-old mansion can present challenges in terms of accessibility.

Masks are encouraged but not required. Tour groups will be limited to 20 attendees. Sign up for the following tour dates:

• Tuesday, April 30, 1:00-2:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 28, 1:00-2:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 25, 1:00-2:30 pm

For private group tours, please complete our  inquiry form . Call us at 206-624-9449 with any questions or for more information.

The Stimson-Green Mansion is one of Seattle’s premier wedding and special event venues. Kaspars Catering & Events is our exclusive caterer at the Mansion. For more information about renting the Mansion for your next event, contact Kaspars at 206-298-0123 or by email .

Film & Photo Shoots

For film/video productions and photo shoots, please contact us for rates for venue rental and staffing fees.

Please complete the inquiry form so we can best assess availability and need.

Stimson-Green Mansion Inquiry Form

Tour historic Seattle homes

Seattle historic groups will sponsor home tours of the Henry H. Dearborn House and Stimson-Green Mansion on Aug. 11, 2009.

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Historic Seattle and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation will sponsor tours of the Henry H. Dearborn House and Stimson-Green Mansion 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Proceeds support the nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving historic places in Seattle and throughout the state. Meet at Dearborn House, 1117 Minor Avenue. Cost is $30 ($25 for members) and includes coffee and pastries after the tours. Register at www.historicseattle.org or call 206-622-6952.

Grays Harbor County Fair , through Sunday, Elma. 360-482-2651 or www.ghcfairgrounds.com

Anacortes Arts Festival , Friday-Sunday, Anacortes. 360-293-6211 or www.anacortesartsfestival.com

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Prosser Wine & Food Fair , Saturday, Prosser. 800-408-1517 or www.prosserchamber.org

Ansel Adams Masterworks Photo Exhibit , through Sept. 13, Goldendale. 509-773-3733 or www.maryhillmuseum.org

Stargazing at Paradise , Aug. 14, Mount Rainier Park. 877-270-7155 or www.visitrainier.com

8th Great Northwest Nationals , Aug. 14-16, Spokane. 509-477-2251 or www.greatnorthwestnats.com

Washington State International Kite Festival , Aug. 17-23, Long Beach. 800-451-2542 or www.kitefestival.com

National Lentil Festival , Aug. 21-23, Pullman. 509-334-3565 or www.lentilfest.com

Bite of Oregon , Friday-Sunday, Portland. 503-248-0600 or www.biteoforegon.com

Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series, through Aug. 28, Portland. 503-226-1561 or www.oregonzoo.org

C.S.I. The Experience: An Interactive Exhibit , through Sept. 13, Portland. 503-797-4000 or www.omsi.edu

Sunriver Music Festival , Aug. 12-22, Sunriver. 541-593-9310 or www.sunrivermusic.org

Mt. Hood Jazz Festival , Aug. 14-16, Gresham. 503-661-2700 or www.mthoodjazz.org

Oregon State Fair , Aug. 28-Sept. 7, Salem. 800-992-8499 or www.oregonstatefair.org

Summer Sounds at Park Place , through Aug. 29, Sandpoint. 208-263-6139 or www.artinsandpoint.org

Great Basin Blues Festival , Aug. 22, Mountain Home. 208-587-3161 or gbbluesfestival.org

British Columbia

Kokanee Crankworx , Saturday through Aug. 16, Whistler, 604-904-8134 or www.whistlerbike.com/events/crankworx

MusicFest Vancouver , through Aug. 16, Vancouver, 604-280-3311 or www. musicfestvancouver.com

Theatre Under the Stars , through Aug. 22, Vancouver, 604-684-2787 or www.tuts.ca

Summer at Butchart Gardens (Concerts) , through Sept. 5, Victoria, 250-356-7226 or www.butchartgardens.c om

Send calendar items at least one month in advance to [email protected] or mail to Travel Calendar, NW Weekend, Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.

Historic Queen Anne Mansion

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By Appointment

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MLS: 1640425

Since 1902, this stunning Queen Anne mansion has overlooked what was a small pioneer town which grew into what we know as Metropolitan Seattle today. The Denny Hill Regrade, Smith Tower build, 1962 Worlds Fair & Space Needle construction are only a few memories imprinted on this nearly 10K sqft home rich w/opulence and unparalleled views. The 3rd floor suite provides a 210 degree panoramic view from Mountains to Sound.  Enjoy movie nights in a 8 seat theater, workout in the gym or host guests in one of the many en-suite rooms of the home. Truly the epitome of luxury.

See what the media is saying about the Historic Queen Anne Mansion!

https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/grand-mansion-with-seattle-best-view/

https://www.seattlepi.com/realestate/slideshow/1902-seattle-mansion-queen-anne-is-a-must-see-210143.php

https://www.timesunion.com/realestate/slideshow/1902-seattle-mansion-queen-anne-is-a-must-see-210143.php

https://www.realtor.com/videos/video-you-can-take-in-seattle-s-entire-skyline-from-this-historic-home/8e7660dc-f4f5-4c44-a74a-f14278d31313/

http://seattlerefined.com/the-home/the-home-of-your-dreams-just-opened-up-in-queen-anne

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