Fitch-Nutt House

Address: 4401 Phinney Avenue N.
Date Built: c.1900, 1902
Original Architect/Builder: Jackson D. Fitch and Thomas W. Nutt, carpenters
Description: Two story-residence with lap siding, Queen Anne detailing, and prominent gables

Building History and Significance:

Fitch-Nutt House, c.1940/ Photo: King County Tax Assessor

The Fitch-Nutt House was built in 1900 by carpenter Jackson D. Fitch, and expanded to its present form by builder and carpenter Thomas W. Nutt in 1902. Largely occupied by renters throughout its history, the house’s vernacular, Folk Victorian style and residential use are representative of Fremont’s working class heritage. The Fitch-Nutt house is significant as one of the oldest, most-intact single family houses remaining in the north part of Fremont.

 

 

 

Preservation Issue:

Fitch-Nutt House, 1976/ Photo: Fitch-Nutt House Landmark Nomination

As with many of Seattle’s older communities, the construction of higher-density buildings continues to change the character of Fremont’s neighborhood streets. After years of deferred maintenance, the owner of the Fitch-Nutt House began exploring options to redevelop the property, prompting neighbors to become concerned about the fate of one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable houses. In 2007, Fremont residents Paul Fellows and Carol Tobin prepared a Seattle Landmark Nomination for the Fitch-Nutt House against the owner’s objection.

 

Current Status:

Fitch-Nutt House, 2007/ Photo: Fitch-Nutt House Landmark Nomination

On November 7, 2007, the Landmarks Preservation Board voted unanimously to designate the Fitch-Nutt House a Seattle Landmark, making it the first single-family home in Fremont to receive such a designation. Historic Seattle, along with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Fremont Historical Society, and the Fremont Neighborhood Council, supported the nomination. The Fitch-Nutt House was sold to new, preservation-minded owners in June of 2010.

 

 

Additional Information:

Fitch-Nutt House Landmark Nomination

“To Raze Or Rescue?”
Seattle Times, October 28, 2007