Historic Seattle Preservation Foundation Programs
Historic Seattle accomplishes its mission by delivering education programs to members and the public to raise awareness of Seattle’s architectural heritage, advocating for preservation with citizens and policy makers and acquiring historic properties for rehabilitation.
Educate
Historic Seattle provides a broad range of design lectures, tours of historic sites, annual programs and events such as the Bungalow Fair, Preservation Awards, Old Building Renovation Fair and Landmarks Nomination Workshop that educate the public about preserving historic buildings. We effectively communicate with constituents and the public through our website, annual program brochure, newsletter, email list, preservation blog and Facebook.
Advocate
Through preservation advocacy, Historic Seattle works closely with local heritage groups to advocate for the preservation of historic places. We assist with advocacy efforts by providing technical assistance and teaching tools for advocacy. We are visible proponents of preservation advocacy in Seattle working with policy makers who regularly seek our advice and expertise regarding a wide range of preservation issues that affect the city and county.
Preserve
We continue to provide quality stewardship of the properties we own including the William B. Phillips Apartments, Victorian Row Apartments, Egan House, Good Shepherd Center, Dearborn House, Cadillac Hotel, and Washington Hall. Historic Seattle acquired Washington Hall for $1.5 million in 2009. The hall has functioned as a community performance space since 1908. The vision calls for full rehabilitation of the performance spaces and a permanent home for art and cultural organizations at a cost of around $9.5 million.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Recent Successes
Historic Seattle's year-long program of educational events continues to attract over 2,000 participants a year. We’ve intensified advocacy efforts, resulting in higher visibility within and beyond the preservation community.
Current Needs
The long term vision for our current real estate development project, Washington Hall, is full rehabilitation and a permanent home for community arts, culture and heritage organizations. With the help of 4Culture, we secured three nonprofit arts/culture organizations--Hidmo, 206Zulu and Voices Rising, as cultural partners in the project.
Historic Seattle brought the building back to operation in Spring 2010, completing phase one of a three-phase, multi-year project. We completed phase two--roof replacement and rebuilding of the south wall in February 2013. The historic Lodge Room and Main Hall have been available for rental since 2010 but a full renovation is still greatly needed.
Historic Seattle is actively engaged in a $9.5 million capital campaign to complete restoration of Washington Hall.