A designated Seattle Landmark since 2008, this historic 1908 home faced demolition threats - but the community rallied. After 300+ opposing comments, a public meeting, and SDCI's confirmation that landmark protections apply to the entire site, the subdivision application is stalled in review with no decision issued.
Read the Latest UpdatesA permit application (Record 3043097-LU) was filed to subdivide the property and demolish the existing building. The applicant has since revised to a 2-lot proposal, but the latest Notice of Application still references demolition.
Over 300 public comments have been submitted opposing this project.
The Dr. Annie Russell House is one of Seattle's finest examples of Rustic architecture, featuring untrimmed log construction, river stone fireplaces, and Swiss Chalet design elements.
Dr. Russell was one of Washington State's first female physicians.
The permit is stalled while the applicant responds to SDCI's corrections — but a stalled application is not a withdrawn one. Sign up for updates so you're ready to act if the project moves again.
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Photos: NWMLS / Windermere R.E. Northeast, Inc.
Address: 5721 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA
Built: c. 1908 by Walter G. Frost for Dr. Annie Russell
Architect: Frederick A. Sexton
Style: Rustic architecture with Swiss Chalet and Craftsman elements
Size: ~3,500 sq ft living area on 15,871 sq ft lot
Under Seattle Ordinance 123074, the following features are protected and require a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Landmarks Preservation Board before any alterations:
Key Point: Because the parcel is a designated feature, any subdivision requires COA approval from the Landmarks Board - not just demolition. SDCI and the Landmarks Board have confirmed these protections apply.
The owner has re-filed with a reduced 2-lot proposal that keeps the house. And SDCI has confirmed that the entire site — both parcels — remains a designated Landmark. Subdividing the land does not create a loophole around landmark protections.
Read Full UpdateAs of June 3, 2026, the application's status is "Corrections Required" — the applicant must respond to SDCI's outstanding corrections and obtain Landmarks Preservation Board approval before the short plat can proceed. No decision has been published. We're monitoring the permit record and will post any changes.
Featured on Cascade of History with Feliks Banel. Matt Smith and Eugenia Woo discuss the preservation effort.
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