• Style: Colonial Revival
• Architect: William D. Kimball
• Builder: Unknown

Description

This 2 ½ story Colonial Revival was designed by William D. Kimball for Fred Rice Rowell (Permit: 1903: #19693). It is positioned laterally along the street, with its main entrance to the North. On the street side, it has bay windows to the south, a double hung window to the north, and two sets of two narrow double hung windows on the second floor. Also on the street side, a prominent dormer extends from the house, supported by carved brackets, and the eaves are held by modillions. Dentils embellish the bottom of the eave and the top of the ledge above the bay windows. The siding and north porch area have changed since the historical period.

History

Fred Rice Rowell, one of the most prominent Seattle lawyers of his time, contracted to have this house built; however, he died before he could move into it. His widow, May F. Rowell, lived in this house for several decades. Fred Rice Rowell, came to Washington State from Maine in 1888. He was of an old New England family – his great-grandfather William Rowell had fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. Fred Rice Rowell, like many of his neighbors, became affluent from Washington State's natural resources – his specialty was mining law. He also was vice president of Lake Sammamish Lumber and Shingle. In addition to having a large law practice, Fred Rice Rowell taught mining law at the University of Washington for two years. He also served as president of Washington's Sons of the American Revolution.