Dearborn House

Address: 1117 Minor
Date Built: 1907
Original Architect/Builder: Henry Dozier
Description: American foursquare with Classic embellishments
Original Owners: Henry H. Dearborn

Historic Seattle's Role:

Dearborn House / Photo: Historic Seattle Archives

In 1997, through a generous patron donation, Historic Seattle received the funding to acquire the Dearborn House for its offices. Currently it is only one of four remaining significant homes on First Hill. Built in 1907, the house was a single family residence until 1953. The home was then converted to professional offices and occupied by a succession of medical practitioners.

 

 

Current and Future Uses:

Dearborn House / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Currently, the Dearborn House functions as the permanent administrative offices for Historic Seattle. The exterior of our signature property has been restored, thanks to funding from the Washington State Historical Society Heritage Fund. The work included repairs to wood trim, stucco, and decorative metal. The exterior was completely repainted utilizing historically accurate colors as identified through the forensic paint analysis performed by heritage architect, Donald Luxton. The exterior project was completed in 2003. Stickney Murphy Romine Architects provided design services and Rafn Company was the general contractor.

The next phase of work improved accessiblity to the first and ground floors. A vertical platform lift and stairs serving both floors and the parking lot were installed on the west elevation of the building. An accessible bathroom was installed on the first floor.

Renovation and upgrades were also completed on the second and third floors, adding necessary office space, and allowing for greater community accessibility. Future goals for the Dearborn House include the Patsy McKay Memorial Historic Preservation Library and the Northwest Resource Center for Preservation.

Dearborn Carriage House The Carriage House is a stand alone, 770 square foot, office within a historic 1907 structure adjacent to the Dearborn House located at 1117 Minor Avenue on First Hill in Seattle. The Carriage House is currently rented. If interested in placing your name on a tenant-applicant wait list please notify Kji Kelly at kjik@historicseattle.org