Frequently
Asked Questions
What does Historic Seattle do?
Historic Seattle is a nonprofit membership organization that
protects and preserves irreplaceable historic buildings, encourages
policy makers and citizens to consider the value of preservation,
and educates the public about Seattle's rich architectural
heritage. Learn more...
What benefits do I receive as a member?
Members receive a semi-annual newsletter, annual program brochure,
discounts on all lectures and tours, and exclusive access to
the Tea & Tour program. Become
a member.
Is Historic Seattle also the Seattle Historical
Society?
No, Historic Seattle is exclusively dedicated to architectural
preservation. The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is
the Seattle Historical Society. They are located in the Montlake
neighborhood at 2700 24th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112-1126. 206-324-1125.
www.seattlehistory.org
Is Historic Seattle also the Seattle Architectural
Foundation?
No, the Seattle Architectural Foundation is a separate organization.
They are a non-profit organization dedicated to building public
appreciation of architecture and design in the Northwest. They
organize "Viewpoints," architectural walking tours,
among other programs. Contact them at Rainier Square, 1333
Fifth Avenue, Level 3, Seattle WA 98101, Office: 206-667-9184,
event information: 206-667-9186.
www.seattlearchitectural.org.
Where can I find a photo of my older home?
Puget Sound Regional Archives has a collection of King County
property record cards beginning in 1937 and kept current to
1972. These cards generally contain tax assessments, a photograph
from 1937, approximate construction date, building use, small
sketch of the footprint of the building, and some floor plan
diagrams. For more information, call the archives at 425-564-3940.
Email: archives@bcc.ctc.edu.
To access this information you will need the tax identification
number of the house or the legal description.
How can I find out the previous owners and
the remodeling history of my Seattle house?
Contact the Department of Planning and Development for their
Building Permit History files. Most of this information is
available on microfiche. The office is at 710 Second Avenue,
Seattle WA 98104. 206-684-8850.
How do I nominate a building or residence
in Seattle for landmark status or find out if it already has
landmark status?
Contact the City
of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation
Division, 700 Third Ave., 4th floor, Seattle WA 98104.
206-684-0228. They maintain the City Landmarks Register and
inventory of city historic properties.
How do I nominate a building or residence
in King County for landmark status or find out if it already
has landmark status?
Contact the King
County Landmarks & Heritage Program, 506 Second Ave.,
#200, Seattle, WA 98104. 206-296-7580. They maintain the
County Landmarks Register and the Historic Site Inventory.
I have a question specifically about the
Pioneer Square area of Seattle, whom should I contact?
Call the Pioneer Square Preservation Board at 206-684-0228.
I am having trouble reading the text on www.historicseattle.org. What should I do?
To increase or decrease the text in a web page, try holding down the control key on your keyboard (Ctrl) and moving the scroll wheel on your mouse.
Or if you don’t have an external mouse with a scroll wheel, visit http://www.w3.org/WAI/ut3/changedesign for very simple, step-by-step instructions on increasing and decreasing text size for most browsers. This page includes instructions for font and color changes as well.