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.