Let’s step back to 1891. The Gilman House stands as a testament to Seattle’s past. It is located at 2016 14th Ave W.
Back then, Smith Cove’s tides gently lapped the beach just one block away. Imagine trains from the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railroad passing by. They were on their way to Snoqualmie Falls. Today, that beach is gone. It was buried to create the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The trestle is now replaced by Great Northern tracks.
Before it was known as Gilman’s Addition, it was called Finn Town. This area included the Gilman House. Finnish people settled along 14th Avenue West. They were drawn to the easy access to water and fishing. The Gilman House was part of their waterside community. Slavic immigrants later joined them after 1900.
The Gilman House is the oldest of five houses. These houses make up the 14th Avenue West Group. This special group sits north of West Newton Street. The Gilman House exemplifies the Queen Anne architectural style. Its features include simple cross gables, decorative scrollwork, and a rectangular tower. A projecting bay adorns the front.
Other houses nearby reflect late Victorian styles. Some have fancy scroll saw-cut gable ends and wide porches. The Torbactia house at 2014 14th Ave W is similar to the Gilman House. However, it lacks the distinctive tower.
These five houses achieved landmark status in 1978. They are among the earliest designated buildings in Seattle. While landmarked together, they do not form a historic district. This makes them an exceptional case in Seattle.
Historic Seattle played a crucial role in preserving these homes. At the time of designation, they owned three of the houses. They often acquire at-risk properties. They resell them with easements to prevent demolition or unwise alterations.
Fortunately, the owners of the Gilman House and Torbactia House also supported landmark designation. They assigned protective facade easements to Historic Seattle. These easements ensure a second set of eyes protect the historic buildings.
In August 2013, the Gilman House faced a threat. A developer made an offer on it. The Queen Anne Historical Society learned about the potential demolition. They moved quickly.
The society notified the city’s Historic Preservation section. They also contacted Historic Seattle’s director of preservation advocacy. They used legal tools to protect the landmarked building. The potential buyer eventually withdrew their offer.
The bank and realtor suggested the house could be delisted. The Queen Anne Historical Society was distressed to learn that. It was unethical for them to do that.
These houses represent an important period in Seattle’s history. They were built by working-class people. The Queen Anne Historical Society continues to protect these structures. They prevent demolition or serious alteration.
Today, the Gilman House stands as a reminder of Queen Anne’s past. It tells a story of Finnish settlers, architectural styles, and preservation efforts. The morning and evening rush hour may dominate 15th Avenue West. But the Gilman House still stands.