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Seattle, Washington / History

West Queen Anne School

A stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, this former 1896 elementary school was the first in Seattle to earn National Register of Historic Places status before becoming luxury condominiums.

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West Queen Anne School
wqaca.org, og_image_wqaca.org

What is the West Queen Anne School known for?

It was a Seattle public elementary school from 1896 to 1981 and is now high-end condominiums. It was the first school in Seattle to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the architectural style of the building?

The building was designed in the Romanesque and Richardsonian Romanesque styles by Warren P. Skillings and James M. Corner.

Is it still a school?

No, the school remained open through 1981 and was renovated and converted into 49 condominium units in 1983-84.

What makes this building historically significant?

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a Seattle landmark in 1977, it serves as a national model for salvaging surplus schools and historic properties into modern living spaces.

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 West Queen Anne School stands as a monumental piece of Seattle's educational history. Designed by architects Warren P. Skillings and James M. Corner, construction began in 1895, and the building officially opened its doors for classes in the fall of 1896. The structure is a prime example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, characterized by its heavy masonry and classic 19th-century brickwork. For decades, the building served as a public elementary school until it finally closed in 1981. During the 1970s, local residents fought to keep the school open, a movement that led to the building being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This was a milestone achievement, as it was the first school in Seattle to receive such a designation, followed by its status as a Seattle landmark in 1977. Between 1983 and 1984, the architectural firm Cardwell/Thomas and Associates undertook a massive renovation to save the structure. They converted the former classrooms into 49 high-end condominium units. This project was the largest privately financed rehabilitation-and-reuse effort of its kind in the Northwest, and it continues to serve as a national model for salvaging surplus school buildings. Today, the building is managed by the West Queen Anne Condominium Association. While it is now a private residence, the exterior maintains its original architectural integrity and is complemented by elegant gardens. The conversion successfully preserved the original craftsmanship and materials, ensuring that this historic neighborhood fixture remains a local treasure.

Visitor tips

  • Walk around the perimeter to appreciate the Richardsonian Romanesque brickwork and masonry.
  • Visit during the day to see the elegant gardens maintained by the Condominium Association.
  • Respect the privacy of the residents, as the building is now a private condominium complex.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood, this building serves as an anchor of historic stability amidst the evolving residential landscape of the hill.

Sources

Evidence and links