History
Then and Now
West Queen Anne School
Built over a century ago, West Queen Anne School is a historic landmark—a crowning glory to Seattle’s past, perched atop Queen Anne.
Originally an elementary school, the building was converted to condominiums in 1984 and serves as a national model for salvaging historic properties for modern living.
Living here means living in stewardship with the past and building on its legacy of craftsmanship. The building’s landmark status and the West Queen Anne Condominium Association ensure that its architectural integrity and elegant gardens remain a local and national treasure.
A Seattle Landmark
1895–1981
Designed by Warren P. Skillings and James M. Corner in the popular Richardsonian Romanesque style, construction began in 1895 and classes opened in fall 1896.
In keeping with the original expandable design, classrooms were added in 1899 and again in 1902. A 1916 addition brought ten classrooms and an auditorium on the south side, moving the main entrance from Lee Street to Galer Street. The principal’s office followed in 1920.
Preservation
A Community Saves Its School
In 1908, the name was changed to West Queen Anne Elementary School to avoid confusion with Queen Anne High School, then under construction.
In 1974, Seattle School District staff recommended closing the school because of declining enrollment. Parents, teachers, and local residents organized to keep it open and nominated the building for historic status.
In 1975, it became the first Seattle school placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two years later, it became a City of Seattle landmark. The school remained open until 1981.
Adaptive Reuse
A New Life Begins
In 1983, the Seattle School District gave Historic Seattle a 99-year land lease on the 1.76-acre property, with an option to renew for another 99 years. Historic Seattle conveyed the building and lease to West Queen Anne Associates, a limited partnership formed for its renovation.
Cardwell/Thomas and Associates Architects began converting the school into 49 condominium homes. Completed in 1984, it was the Northwest’s largest privately financed rehabilitation and reuse project of its kind—and became a national model for salvaging surplus schools.
“West Queen Anne School condos continue the legacy of Seattle’s past, while forging their own path into the future. It is a historic gem in a storied neighborhood.”CK