PHOTOS/VIDEO: Stone Cottage makes the move (updated)

12:22 AM: The next big chapter in the Stone Cottage‘s history is being written tonight, with the little stone-studded house getting moved off its soon-to-be-redeveloped site at 1123 Harbor Avenue SW. Destination: Port of Seattle land about a mile southeast, until a permanent home is found.

A crowd is here to watch renowned structural movers Nickel Bros take the house to its interim home; we’ll be updating as it goes. (Added: Among those present were family members of Eva Falk, the cottage’s creator.) First, shown above, the truck is moving into position.

1:03 AM: At least another 20 minutes until they start pulling the Stone Cottage off the site – which’ll be tricky, with a power pole close to its east side, a hydrant close to its west side.

1:51 AM: The moving has begun – in short bursts for starters as they carefully maneuver off the site.

2:35 AM: Still maneuvering. Some lines/cables are the newest hurdle to clear. … Ten minutes later, inching around the hydrant.

2:54 AM: Off the site! Now dealing with hydraulics to get under road-spanning wires.

3:06 AM: It’s now rolling down the road.

4 AN: Back at HQ, adding photos and video above. Plus – the next two, sent by Rachel, with a view from over Harbor Avenue as the Stone Cottage rolled by Don Armeni:

And here’s a pic from the pre-move wait – group photo of Save The Stone Cottage volunteers, whose many months of work (along with community support) made this happen:

(They were the ones cheering loudest toward the end of our video clip above.) We’ll be following up to see what’s next.

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: Thanks to Stewart L. for the photo of the Stone Cottage after arrival at its temporary home:

Mike Shaughnessy of Save The Stone Cottage tells WSB that the Stone Cottage reached its interim site at 4:45 am – 15 minutes shy of when their street-use permit expired. “It was touch and go … threading the needle between cars, and we almost got stuck near 7-Eleven.”

And talk about touch and go … hours after the Stone Cottage was gone, the developers who own its former site demolished the remaining structures:

(That photo also is from Stewart L.)

Agnes Tomorrow August 18, 2021 (3:15 am)

Is this related to power outage in White Center? 104th/18th SW at 02:55

WSB August 18, 2021 (3:37 am)

No, not related. We’re covering the power outage separately.

22blades August 18, 2021 (6:06 am)

Amazing that such a small crew from Nickel Brothers can make the move. Watched them setting up earlier in the day. Their website is interesting showcasing some their industrial work. Makes this job look like grabbing a cup of coffee. Worked in a shipyard in my youth & it’s always amazing to see just a few people doing big things. Hats off to everyone making this happen!

Rick August 18, 2021 (9:02 am)

Good thing they didn’t have to pull it down California or Roxbury. Probably would have lost half the stones.

heylady August 18, 2021 (10:30 am)

I love this town. Grateful for those who respect and preserve our culture.

Tracey August 18, 2021 (11:35 am)

Didn’t take them long to start tearing down the little cute pink house beside it. Skated by the demolition in progress this AM.

Bradi Jones August 18, 2021 (12:43 pm)

My husband Tim and I have been “along for the ride” off to the side for this whole project from the very beginning, watching, helping a little bit here and there when we were needed; and I must say, that I’ve witnessed my friends, (in the group photo above) work tirelessly on this for some time! The effort and creativity that they put in (and had been planned/somewhat thwarted by Covid!), the many ways the community stepped up to help save this little piece of Seattle History, was very inspiring to me! The amount of personal time put in by each one of all the talented people involved was more than anyone could possibly imagine. I’ve been an admirer of this special little house since moving here in the 90’s. I’ve watched it go from holding strong, to somewhat tired, to what could’ve possibly been the end of its story…rubble! Cut to last night, to watch as this precious sculpture that was made of love, hard work, stone, mortared together with years of history and integrity, as it crept along to its temporary holding place, in its “to be continued” phase of its story! It was a once in a lifetime experience.With the idea of a few, along with the help of many, the entire community will be able to continue to enjoy this unique piece of our “island”’s history! It was truly amazing to witness the precise talent of the team from Nickel Bros movers, do what they do! Great job everyone! Very entertaining!

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