Twin Teepees

Lost

Twin Teepees
7201 Aurora Avenue North

The Twin Teepees, which opened in 1937 on Aurora near Green Lake, was torn down on July 31, 2003 without warning. The kitschy building, which had been heavily damaged inside by fire in June 2000, had not been nominated as a City of Seattle landmark. If it had been nominated, it could have been saved. Through the years, the distinctive building, intended to lure motorists to stop and visit, had been considered for landmark status, but it was never nominated.

After the fire in 2002, the owner planned on fixing the building and reopening, but city inspectors found lead paint in walls, asbestos in floor tiles and dry rot in beams. The restrooms, which were upstairs, needed to be relocated to make them more accessible. Ultimately, the owner couldn't afford the repairs and upgrades, and has been attempting to sell the land since 2003.

Seattle residents need to be more vigilant about identifying, documenting, and protecting buildings they admire before demolition is proposed by the owner. Throughout Seattle, there are many buildings and structures that reflect Seattle's unique identity. Help Historic Seattle prevent another loss like this by becoming a member and lending your activism to our advocacy program. You can do so by sending an e-mail message to Christine Palmer, Historic Seattle's Preservation Advocate, at christine@historicseattle.org.