“Seattle’s oldest house.” Does that grab your attention? That is the Ward House. It stands before you, a testament to Seattle’s enduring spirit. The Ward House is more than just an old building. It is a symbol of perseverance.
Built in 1882, the Ward House faced demolition in the mid-1980s. But this fanciful example of residential Victorian carpenter Gothic” was saved. It was one of the rare few remaining. Dr. and Mrs. Michael Buckley donated the structure to Historic Seattle. This was a nonprofit architectural preservation organization.
David Leen, a local lawyer, bought it for $7,500. On April 6, 1986, Leen moved the Ward House. Its original location was on First Hill. It stood on Boren Avenue between Union and Pike Streets. Leen moved it to its current location. It is now at the corner of E. Denny Way and Belmont Avenue E.
Leen worked to restore the Ward House. He used fixtures and furniture from the original time period. The building housed Leen’s law office. Several other solo practices were also there until 2016. Tola Capital, LLC now owns and occupies it.
George W. Ward designed, built, and originally owned the building. He was a pioneer entrepreneur. The Ward House is an official City of Seattle landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The lovingly restored Ward House has scalloped shingles. These were scraped and repainted. It also has a new roof. Its impressive Italianate tower stands tall. Leen invested nearly $200,000 in moving and renovating the 77-ton Ward House. He removed lead pipes. He also removed 40 tons of waterlogged plaster. Twenty-five layers of wallpaper were removed in some places.
Imagine the Ward family in the late 1880s. They lived here amidst Seattle’s rapid growth. George focused on carpentry. The remaining interior woodwork is very fine. Lucile Olney described the home as “carpenter Gothic.”
The Ward House is a reminder of Seattle’s past. It embodies the spirit of preservation. This old home continues to grace the neighborhood. It welcomes neighbors walking to bus stops or diners. The Ward House stands as a testament to history. It will stand for years to come.