Seattle, Washington story
A Floating Home's History
On the shores of Lake Union sits the Wagner House, one of the oldest surviving houseboats in Seattle. Built around 1909 or 1912, it actually began its life as a summer home on Lak…
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On the shores of Lake Union sits the Wagner House, one of the oldest surviving houseboats in Seattle. Built around 1909 or 1912, it actually began its life as a summer home on Lake Washington near Madison Park. In the 1950s, Dick Wagner bought the vessel and eventually, along with his wife Colleen, converted it into the home of the Center for Wooden Boats.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the houseboat serves as a reminder of Seattle's deep maritime roots. It's a floating piece of history that has transitioned from a private retreat to a community hub for boat lovers.
Updated June 2026