Community members in the University District recently alerted us to the threatened status of a significant Seattle landmark, the Dr. Annie Russell house, located at 5721 8th Avenue NE (just east of I-5).
Built in ca. 1908 and designed by architect Frederick A. Sexton, the property was designated a landmark by the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board in 2008. Designated features include the site and shed, exterior of the building, and first floor interior including the central hallway and stairway to the second floor (excluding the kitchen and bathroom). The property is on one-third of an acre (15,871 sf lot) in a NR3 zone (neighborhood residential). This is a well-known landmark in the neighborhood. The property sold in 2024 to the current owner. The seller had been the owner since 1978 and was the one who voluntarily sought landmark designation for the property in 2008. The landmark’s designating ordinance no. 123074 is a public document easily accessible online.
What’s the threat?
The current owner purchased the property in 2024 and submitted a land use application to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) “to subdivide one parcel into three parcels of land. Existing building to be demolished.” SDCI issued a Notice of Application on January 8, 2026. Neighbors got wind of the application and started sounding the alarm. SDCI is taking public comments on this proposal through February 4 (the initial deadline was January 21 but was extended after members of the public, including Historic Seattle, requested an extension). Historic Seattle submitted comments along with over 270 others, the majority of which are calling for the City to not approve the application to subdivide the property which would essentially destroy the landmark since a new property line would run straight through the house.
Why is this place important?
The Dr. Annie Russell House landmark designation report states, “Dr. Annie Russell (1868-1942), the original owner, is significant in Seattle’s history because she was one of the first female physicians in Washington State and the City of Seattle. She was a colorful character, with an adventurous personality and an interesting history. She was also a controversial figure in the Seattle medical community in the early 20th century.” The controversy refers to Dr. Russell having her medical license revoked for performing abortions out of her home. She was eventually pardoned, and her license was later reinstated which furthered the controversy that surrounded her. The property was designated under three of the six standards for designation. It is associated in a significant way with Dr. Annie Russell, an important person in Seattle. The house embodies the visual characteristics of an architectural style—the Swiss Chalet style. And it is an easily identifiable feature of the neighborhood and contributes to the distinctive quality or identity of the neighborhood.
What can you do?
At this point, it is important for SDCI to hear from as many people and organizations as possible. We are asking you to submit public comments to SDCI through its comment portal online and oppose the land use application to subdivide the property into three lots. Because the property is a designated landmark, any changes to the designated features require a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board. There is a process that exists and SDCI cannot legally issue a permit or approve the subdivision before a Certificate of Approval is issued. The landmarks staff at the City are aware of this issue, is in communication with SDCI, and is monitoring the situation to ensure that the process is followed.
Historic Seattle hopes to nip this in the bud so that the subdivision application is rejected or withdrawn. We do not wish to see a demolition application go to the Landmarks Preservation Board.
A community group has galvanized to advocate for the preservation of the Dr. Annie Russell House and Historic Seattle is advising them and working with them. Learn more on the website savetherussellhouse.org and submit your comments by February 4 to SDCI through this online portal.
Thank you for taking the time to advocate for this important landmark! Questions? Contact Eugenia Woo, Director of Preservation Services at Historic Seattle at [email protected].
Photograph by Joe Mabel