The City of Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board voted unanimously, 10-0, to designate the Admiral’s House (Quarters A) at Smith Cove as an historic landmark. Board members cited that the property, originally owned by the U.S. Navy and today owned by the public-private venture of the Navy and Forest City, met multiple designation standards, including its cultural, political or economic heritage; its distinctive visible characteristics of an architectural style, or period, or a method of construction; and its distinct location. 

“As a partner with military communities across the United States, Forest City recognizes the national treasure represented by some of the nation’s unique military homes. We saw the Admiral’s House as a stand out example of a structure whose exterior design, location and history combined to raise it to the level of a landmark, and we are pleased that the Landmarks Preservation Board unanimously voted to designate it as a Seattle landmark,” said Michael Nanney, vice president of Forest City.

Historically, the Admiral’s House symbolizes the important role that the U.S. Navy has played in Seattle from World War II until the 1990s. It was not only the home of the admiral and his family, but it was a center for official government entertaining, where nearly 1,000 visitors a year, including foreign dignitaries and military and government leaders, were entertained until its closure in 2006. The house is also one of the few remaining physical reminders of the importance of Seattle to the war effort and of the vital role that the war and the military played in Seattle’s growth and development.

“The Admiral’s House is truly a unique, historically significant Seattle property,” said Kathleen Brooker, executive director of Historic Seattle. “We were pleased to work with Forest City on creating a preservation easement on the home, which will ensure the home’s historic preservation in perpetuity by all future owners.”

From this point forward, Forest City and the Navy will work with the Landmarks Board to determine specific Controls and Incentives regarding the property.  Already, Forest City has met with several community, city and state stakeholders, to determine specific needs and considerations regarding the Admiral’s House property, including upkeep of the exterior, the site and a view easement to preserve views from adjacent property. 

“It’s been a thrill to contribute to such an important and visible project,” said Mimi Sheridan, local historian and preservationist, and author of the Admiral’s House landmark nomination. “As a Magnolia resident myself, I know how much this building means to Magnolia and Queen Anne. The community has really been behind this. People came forward to let us know the importance of the house and, together, we have been able to set aside and preserve a unique part of our history and community.”

In addition to being a Seattle landmark, the Admiral’s House is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places because of its association with the history of the Navy presence in Seattle and for its embodiment of the Colonial Revival style. Forest City is working with the Washington State Historic Preservation Office to complete this listing this year.

Currently, the house is vacant. Forest City plans to sell the home to a private party, who will be required to maintain that house and site as stipulated by the landmarks ordinance.