Landmarks Board agrees to consider “Bloss House” for designation

“Too often, our landmarks are big, grandiose houses,” observed one member of the city Landmarks Board just before their vote moments ago, unanimously agreeing to consider designating West Seattle’s far-from-grandiose “Bloss House” as a landmark. We wrote about it two and a half weeks ago, when the Southwest Seattle Historical Society (Log House Museum) shared the news that Historic Seattle would bring the 1915 North Admiral Craftsman bungalow (4055 SW Holgate) to the board. Most board members noted that its main attribute as a potential landmark is the fact that its interior is virtually unaltered from the original Craftsman-style details, as well as its exterior, so before they agree to officially designate it, they may decide they want the nomination to include its exterior as well – though that is not usually what’s done with private residences. The home’s owner was not able to be at the hearing because of health challenges but several people spoke in support of the nomination, one citing comments on the previous WSB story as evidence of community support. The board also had a full presentation on the nomination document (text here, photos here), which includes information about West Seattle history as well as this home in particular. Next step: June 2nd is set for the hearing and vote on whether to officially declare the “Bloss House” a Seattle landmark.

3 Replies to "Landmarks Board agrees to consider "Bloss House" for designation"

  • Michael Stusser April 21, 2010 (5:48 pm)

    Fantastic news! I’m sure Ruth (the home’s wonderful and artistic owner) will be thrilled and we look forward to attending the June 2nd hearing to support the Bloss House declaration.

  • Babs April 21, 2010 (6:32 pm)

    WOO HOO, they agreed to consider designating West Seattle’s far-from-grandiose “Bloss House” as a landmark. I love this statement, ““Too often, our landmarks are big, grandiose houses.”
    Its rare to even find a simple beautiful example of a Craftsman bungalow that made it past that crazy 1970’s era of remodeling (remember the colored appliances popular then) let alone one intact also on the outside. I’m crossing my fingers this wonderful gem of construction (which translates a life to the majority of every man/women living from that era and even today to those who live in one) makes it to the finish line and becomes a Seattle landmark.
    :)

  • islewrite April 21, 2010 (10:09 pm)

    Ruth is a peach and, indeed, the house is untouched. If I recall correctly, there’s not even a dryer vent to the outside because she didn’t want to change the exterior. (I lived next door throughout the nineties. Great neighborhood.)

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