Progress in the Preservation Effort
February 2026
After neighbors received notice on January 8th of a permit application to subdivide and demolish the Dr. Annie Russell House, the community rallied together in an unprecedented show of support for preservation.
You Did It!
Over 300 people submitted public comments in support of preservation. The city extended the comment period by a week to February 4th, 2026.
Since that extension, 88+ additional comments were submitted - all in favor of preservation.
City Departments Now Aligned
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) and the Landmarks Preservation Board (LPB) have confirmed the landmark protections. Both departments are aligned on what the owner can and cannot do with the property.
From SDCI (January 27, 2026)
From the Zoning Markup Summary by Sung H. Lee, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. View document
"Based on our phone conversation on January 14, 2026, you indicated that you are not intending to demolish the existing historic landmark structure, the Dr. Annie Russell House located at 5721 8th Ave NE.
Please remove the note stating 'Two-story house w/ basement (to be removed)' from all plan sheets.
If you are intending to demolish or relocate the existing historic landmark structure (Dr. Annie Russell House, 5721 8th Ave NE), such a proposal would require a Department of Neighborhoods (DON) Certificate of Approval (C of A) from the Landmarks Preservation Board."
Additionally: "The proposal does not comply with the above-referenced code sections and may require a reduction in the number of proposed lots."
Key point: Under Ordinance 123074, the parcel itself is a designated landmark feature. This means the property can never be subdivided without approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board.
SDCI Land Use Review Completed
On February 4, 2026, SDCI completed its Cycle 1 Land Use review of the permit application. The review, conducted by Land Use Planner Greg Johnson, revealed significant problems with the application.
Contradictory Application
SDCI found that the submitted plans contain two contradictory proposals: a 3-lot layout showing demolition of the landmark, and a 2-lot layout that preserves the dwelling. The applicant has been required to clarify their intent and submit a single, consistent plan set.
This confirms what we suspected - the applicant has not committed to a clear path forward, and SDCI will not accept the application as-is.
Public Meeting Likely
Due to the large number of public comments received, SDCI has indicated that it appears likely they will organize a public meeting per SMC 23.76.015. This is a direct result of the community's response. Stay tuned for details on when and where this meeting will be held.
In the Media
Eugenia Woo from Historic Seattle and team member Matthew Smith were interviewed on Cascade of History, hosted by Feliks Banel.
They discussed the threat, how it violates the protection ordinance, and the inspiring history of the house itself.
What's Next?
While SDCI ruled in favor of preservation, we have reason to believe this will not be the end of the threat.
It is our understanding that the owner did a walkthrough with Erin Doherty from the Landmarks Preservation Board when he first obtained ownership, and that the LPB made the ordinance requirements clear at that time.
The fact that this application was filed - apparently without contacting the LPB or noting the landmark status - gives us pause. We will continue to monitor activity and call the community to action when needed.
How You Can Help
- Stay vigilant - Sign up for updates to be notified of any new developments
- If you see something, say something - Let us know if you have any helpful information
- Know a land use attorney? - We are looking for a land use attorney who works in favor of preservation. Contact us if you have a recommendation.
Thank You!
This happened because the community came together to speak out for the preservation of a designated Seattle Landmark. We could not have done this without every one of you, and your passion for keeping our city's history intact!