Considering that rowing is more than just a sport in Seattle. The Conibear Shellhouse stands as a monument to this enduring legacy. This is home to the University of Washington’s men’s and women’s rowing teams. These teams regularly achieve national rankings.
The Conibear Shellhouse isn’t just a boathouse. It’s a hub of activity for student-athletes. They gather here for meals and special events. Imagine the camaraderie and team spirit that fills this space daily.
Completed in 1949, the Conibear Shellhouse replaced the old Shell House. The old Shell House is now known as the Canoe House. It started as a seaplane hangar after World War I. The Conibear Shellhouse underwent a significant renovation in 2005. The initial cost in 1949 was $365000. The renovation cost a staggering $18 million.
This facility is named after Hiram Boardman Conibear. He was a former coach who left an indelible mark on the university’s rowing program. His name is synonymous with rowing excellence at the University of Washington.
Located on the edge of the athletic facilities on Lake Washington, the Conibear Shellhouse boasts an impressive 5000 square feet of space. It can host receptions for up to 500 people and banquets for 200. Bay Laurel Catering provides the catering services. Outdoor guest access and a built-in wireless microphone add to its functionality. It is also ADA accessible.
I had the privilege of touring the Conibear Shellhouse years ago. The Husky Clipper is suspended from the ceiling in the dining room. This is the eight-person shell that propelled the team to victory at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
After the crew teams moved to Conibear Shellhouse in 1949, the old shell house became the Old Canoe House. It was used for canoe rentals, sailing, and recreational rowing storage. There was a strong community effort to save it in 1975.
The old Shell House is also significant to Native Americans. It was a Coast Salish gathering point. It served as a natural portage between Lake Washington and Lake Union. It became the first UW building on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It was also the first to become a Seattle Landmark in 2018.
The Conibear Shellhouse stands as a symbol of perseverance. It embodies teamwork and the enduring spirit of rowing in the Pacific Northwest. It connects Seattle’s past to its future. It celebrates the university’s connection to the water.