J. C. Black House

Address: 222 W. Highland Drive
Date Built: 1914; demolished 2004
Original Architect/Builder: Andrew Willatsen, Architect
Description: Prairie School residence with deep eaves overlooking Kerry Park

Building History and Significance:

J.C. Black House, c. 1940 / Photo: Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries/UW 13926

Built in 1914 on the northeast corner of Highland Drive and 3rd Avenue West, the J.C. Black House was built in a neighborhood of Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, and Colonial Revival homes. The house’s architect, Andrew Willatsen, practiced in the office of Frank Lloyd Wright before relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 1907. Although Willatsen’s work, the Black House embodied many of the characteristic architectural elements seen in Wright’s Prairie School residences.

 

 

Preservation Issue:

J.C. Black House, 2003 / Photo: Queen Anne Historical Society

In 2003 the J.C. Black House was sold for $2.3 million. Without official Landmark designation, either individually or as part of a district, the house was afforded no protections under Seattle’s preservation ordinance at the time of sale. In January 2004, the Black House was demolished to make way for a private residence tailored to the tastes of the new owner.

 

 

 

Current Status:

Demolition of J.C. Black House, 2004/Photo: Leanne Olson

Following the demolition of the Black House, a group of neighborhood residents began exploring the possibility of forming a historic or special review district in the vicinity of West Highland Drive to protect the remaining homes and apartment buildings characteristic of Queen Anne Hill. In 2006, the 1927 Park View apartments located immediately east of the site of the Black House were demolished, furthering the desire to preserve the neighborhood’s architecture. While some residences, like the Harry W. Treat House, have been individually designated as Seattle Landmarks, the neighborhood has yet to be nominated as a district. Today, the site of the Black House is being developed into three townhomes.

Additional Information:

Queen Anne Historical Society

"Queen Anne reels after Wright-style house is torn down”
Seattle PI, January 23, 2004

“'Historic' mansion vs. 55 homes with a view”
Seattle PI, March 5, 2007

"Don't block us in, say Queen Anne residents”
Seattle PI, March 31, 2005