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Seattle, Washington / History

Canoe House (ASUW Shell House)

A historic landmark on the UW campus, this former Navy seaplane hangar served as the home of the gold-medal winning 'Boys in the Boat' rowing team and sits on an ancient Indigenous portage site.

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Canoe House (ASUW Shell House)
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What is the Canoe House (ASUW Shell House) known for?

It is the former home of the 'Boys in the Boat,' the University of Washington men's rowing team that won Olympic gold in 1936. It is also recognized as a Seattle Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1918 by Navy Captain Luther E. Gregory, the building began as a U.S. Navy seaplane hangar used to train pilots during World War I. It later served as the home for UW Rowing and George Pocock's shell workshop before becoming known as the Canoe House in 1949, where it was used for storage and canoe rentals.

Is the ASUW Shell House open to the public?

The ASUW Shell House is currently closed for construction through Fall 2026. During this time, 'Boys in the Boat' tours are being hosted exclusively through Conibear Shellhouse.

Where is it located?

The landmark is located at 3655 Walla Walla Road NE in Seattle.

Does the site have any Indigenous significance?

Yes, the site resides on land used by Indigenous Coast Salish peoples for 8,000 years as a natural portage to carry canoes between Lake Washington and Portage Bay. In Lushootseed, the location was known as stəx̌ʷugʷit, meaning 'Carry a Canoe.'

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The ASUW Shell House, located at 3655 Walla Walla Road NE, is a site of deep historical layering. Long before the current structure existed, the land served as a natural portage known in Lushootseed as stəx̌ʷugʷit, or 'Carry a Canoe,' used by Indigenous Coast Salish peoples for 8,000 years to move canoes between Lake Washington and Portage Bay. Constructed in 1918 by Navy Captain Luther E. Gregory, the 13,000-square-foot building began its life as a U.S. Navy seaplane hangar. During the final months of World War I, the facility was used to store seaplanes and train pilots. Following its military tenure, the building transitioned into the home of UW Rowing and the workshop of George Pocock, the renowned racing shell builder. This location is most famous as the training ground for the 'Boys in the Boat,' the University of Washington men’s rowing team that captured Olympic gold in 1936 by defeating boats from Italy and Germany. In 1949, Washington Rowing relocated to the Conibear Shellhouse, and the building became known as the Canoe House, serving as a hub for storage and canoe rentals. Recognized for its significance, the building was the first UW structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and became the first Seattle Landmark on campus in 2018. The site is currently undergoing a major renovation project intended to transform it into a vibrant hub for education and gathering, with completion expected between autumn 2026 and winter 2028.

Visitor tips

  • Be aware that the building is closed for construction through Fall 2026; you can view the exterior but cannot enter.
  • If you are looking for 'Boys in the Boat' tours during the renovation, head to the Conibear Shellhouse instead.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is located along the waterfront near Walla Walla Road NE.

Nearby context

The Shell House is situated on the edge of the University of Washington campus, positioned strategically between Lake Washington and Portage Bay. It sits near the Montlake Cut, a waterway completed just before the building's construction in 1918.

Sources

Evidence and links