A designated Seattle Landmark since 2008, this historic 1908 home faced demolition threats - but the community rallied. SDCI has confirmed landmark protections apply to the entire site, and a public meeting is scheduled for April 21st.
Read the Latest UpdatesA permit application (Record 3043097-LU) was filed to subdivide the property and demolish the existing building. The applicant has since revised to a 2-lot proposal, but the latest Notice of Application still references demolition.
Over 300 public comments have been submitted opposing this project.
The Dr. Annie Russell House is one of Seattle's finest examples of Rustic architecture, featuring untrimmed log construction, river stone fireplaces, and Swiss Chalet design elements.
Dr. Russell was one of Washington State's first female physicians.
An online public meeting is scheduled for April 21st. Register for the Webex meeting now and sign up to comment when the link opens at 3:00 PM on April 21st.
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Photos: NWMLS / Windermere R.E. Northeast, Inc.
Address: 5721 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA
Built: c. 1908 by Walter G. Frost for Dr. Annie Russell
Architect: Frederick A. Sexton
Style: Rustic architecture with Swiss Chalet and Craftsman elements
Size: ~3,500 sq ft living area on 15,871 sq ft lot
Under Seattle Ordinance 123074, the following features are protected and require a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Landmarks Preservation Board before any alterations:
Key Point: Because the parcel is a designated feature, any subdivision requires COA approval from the Landmarks Board - not just demolition. SDCI and the Landmarks Board have confirmed these protections apply.
The owner has re-filed with a reduced 2-lot proposal that keeps the house. And SDCI has confirmed that the entire site — both parcels — remains a designated Landmark. Subdividing the land does not create a loophole around landmark protections.
Read Full UpdateAn online public meeting is scheduled for April 21st. Register via Webex to attend, and sign up to comment when the link opens at 3:00 PM that day. The applicant must still address corrections and obtain Landmarks Preservation Board approval before the short plat can proceed.
Featured on Cascade of History with Feliks Banel. Matt Smith and Eugenia Woo discuss the preservation effort.
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