Following last month's confidence inspiring 6-1 vote in favor of nomination, there didn't seem to be much concern for Conover House's chances of success going into the meeting yesterday. However, things changed rather quickly when at least 20 people were seen gathered outside the boardroom in animated conversation. Scattered among them were a few representatives of Jewish Family Services who were present at the last meeting. Meaning they had called in their cavalry. This did not bode well. JFS reps started the meeting by speaking extensively about their mission and the financial burden landmark status would put on them. These are two factors which the Landmarks Board does not and cannot take
At long last our efforts towards preserving this value historic landmark are finally coming to a head. For those of you who missed the nomination meeting (pictured above) the vote was strongly in favor of nomination (6 to 1). However, some concerns were raised during the meeting. One, whether the house is associated with Charles Conover in a significant way. Two, whether it retains enough of its original form to convey its significance. Three, whether it physically stands out in the area. Our answer to all three of these concerns is a resounding yes. Scroll through to learn why in our final statement to the board and to see some additional supporting material, but first, in case you wish to
Preservation/Advocacy Conover House Thanks to the combined advocacy efforts of our board in partnership with Historic Seattle, local architect Marvin Anderson, and the former owner Joan Zegree, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board voted 6-1 to nominate Conover House for landmark status on May 15. Jewish Family Services, the current owner, planned to demolish the building to make way for an apartment development. Marvin Anderson, says the house, built in 1893, is a “highly refined” example of the Colonial Revival style The house still features original woodwork, herringbone ceilings, fireplaces and other original indoor and some outdoor features. If you would like to learn more about th
Earlier this spring we heard the sad news that this beautiful historic home from 1906 would soon be demolished. Even worse, that its proposed replacement looks like a slipshod and menacing guard tower straight out of Rust, a multiplayer online survival game. Future plans aside though, our friend Vanishing Seattle covered the home's most recent history as a Bed and Breakfast so I figured I'd take some time to explore its origins. Preserving and sharing its story is the least we can do when lacking the resources to physically preserve it. The home was built in 1906 for William and Jane Judah of Indianapolis, IN who had moved to Seattle in 1901 by way of Minneapolis. William was a clerk for a s
