Spokane has much in common with Seattle. An 1889 fire stimulated the re-building of major parts of the city, with new commercial buildings and stunning residences for the city’s well to do. The Olmsted Brothers laid out plans for a park and boulevard system that was partially completed. And these streetcar suburbs blossomed with Craftsman bungalows of every imaginable style, richly embellished with foundations of pillars of local stone, clinker brick, and river rock. With the cooperation of Spokane Preservation Advocates and the Historic Preservation committee of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, we will tour significant architectural landmarks, including the restored Davenport Hotel, the Art Deco Fox Theatre, splendidly restored for the Spokane Symphony, and outstanding Victorian, Elizabethan, and Arts and Crafts residences.
In Ellensburg, we will see the only American work by Canadian architect Samuel McClure and the charming and largely intact streetscapes of downtown. In Yakima, we are the privileged guests in privately owned Westhome, a superb and unique vestige of the American Arts & Crafts movement. This mammoth stone-clad castle was designed by Minneapolis architects Kenyon and Maine for attorney Chester Congdon, completed in 1916 after two years of construction as the centerpiece of his apple orchards. The 30,000 sq. ft. house is a symphony in rough-hewn timbers and stone. It features hand-hammered metal hinges, hardware, and lighting fixtures, leaded glass doors and windows, painted murals, various sizes and colors of brick and tile by important art tile manufacturers, and built-in or commissioned furniture by leading interior design firm William French of Minneapolis/St.Paul. This makes the house an extraordinary example of early 20th century trends in architecture and interior design. Congdon Castle, as it is commonly called, remains in the family and is remarkably preserved, from its lookout tower with sleeping porch down to its indoor swimming pool and the smallest details of kitchens and bathrooms.
Price includes bus transportation from Seattle, accommodations for two nights at the Davenport Hotel (double-occupancy),most meals, and admissions. Registration fee also includes a $100 contribution to Historic Seattle.
Location: Meeting location tba
Cost: Tickets: $800 members (double occupancy); $900 general public (double occupancy); includes $100 tax-deductible contribution to Historic Seattle Preservation Foundation. Deposit of $400.00 is required to reserve a spot. PLEASE NOTE: Our member discounts are only applicable for pre-registration received no later than three days prior to the event. After that, members pay the general admission price.
To Register: Call Historic Seattle at 206-622-6952 or add to shopping cart by entering number of registrants and clicking the register button below.