Landmark Homes Offer a Limited Opportunity to Own Your Place in History
Iconic in nature, the nostalgic homes at Fort Lawton offer buyers a legacy residence while engineering the latest technologies with modern-day conveniences. Rise Properties, the developer, has artfully gone behind the walls of each home to bring its electrical, plumbing and heating up-to-date — exceeding the standards of many new homes in our region, while preserving much of the irreplaceable historic details.
Now the 13-Colonial Revival residences on Officer’s Row are fully renovated or nearing completion and represent the last opportunity to own a home at Fort Lawton.
In total, there are 26 landmarked homes sited on 9 acres of land within the 534 acres of Discovery Park – only 15 minutes from downtown.
The first 13 homes located on Montana Circle were offered in late 2015 and have all sold. The last 13 homes to be renovated are located on Officers Row, perched above the former parade ground with preserved views of open space, native forest land, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
These homes are between 4,027 – 6,600 sf. with four floors of updated living space. Eachare grandfathered historic landmarks they are the last homes to debut for sale. There are no further development possibilities within Discovery Park.
“Don’t let the natural sanctuary and landmarked homes fool you,” said Gary Blakeslee, Vice-President of RISE Properties. “Each home has been artfully restored and expertly updated from its mechanical systems to the contemporary interiors designed by the world-class interiors team of Seattle based GGLO.”
The award-winning design team worked with the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board to preserve the nostalgic architecture while adding new roofs, seismic updates and landscaping.
Working with skilled engineers, RISE Properties replaced the old boiler systems with modern hydronic heating on the main floors, and low-profile radiators on other levels. The hydronic system circulates hot water to heat a home. The systems are now more energy efficient, sustainable, and noted for reducing allergens in the air and keeping a home much cleaner.
With new plumbing systems, the upstairs living areas have been reworked to include spa-like bathrooms with heated floors, on-demand hot water, and a second hook-up for a washer and dryer. There is also a large laundry room in the fully-finished, spacious daylight basement with exposed stone walls and brickwork that provide the backdrop for an airy feel, while reminding us that these once prevalent building materials provide great sound and cooling insulation – with the added benefit of hydronic heating.
The contemporary kitchens are all new and boast Miele appliances with gas cooking. Electrical outlets are now abundant in every room with floor outlets in the upper loft to provide an open area for a media room, bedroom suite or private home office.
“We took the best of the old and combined it with the best of the new to thoughtfully combine history with modern touches,” said Blakeslee. “These homes built between 1899 and 1904 are matchless, there is truly nothing like them on the West Coast for private, home ownership.”
Even the newly built, two car detached garage contemplate the space needed for the family SUV, and the power infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations.
“As it turns out, the old garages were excluded from the historic landmark designation allowing for new construction,” adds Blakeslee. “When Fort Lawton was first built, cars and garages were not in the picture.”
Other new amenities include a community vegetable garden for each homeowner, a fire pit and two playgrounds for children within the neighborhood. Nearby buildings that are not part of Officer’s Row have also been thoughtfully preserved by the City of Seattle helping to complete the idyllic setting that appears locked in time.
“Fort Lawton is a national treasure,” said Stephanie McMahon, Sales Director for Fort Lawton. “It’s remarkable that our residents are afforded this respite from the frenetic existence of city life – you’re always connected but it’s also nice to unplug once and a while; or even every day for these lucky homeowners.”
In order to fully understand and appreciate what living at Fort Lawton meant, Blakeslee took the unconventional step of actually residing on site, in one of the Officer’s Row homes prior to construction commencing during the summer of 2015. His experience provided a sense of purpose that extended well beyond the redevelopment itself and took on the role of guardian for the heirloom property.
“Our new homeowners are the new stewards of this living legacy,” reflects Blakeslee. “I will never forget the feeling of coming home to Fort Lawton – it was like having another day at the end of your day.”
The Homes at Fort Lawton are set amidst some of the most unspoiled natural land in Seattle: Discovery Park. Situated above Puget Sound on Magnolia Bluff, the park is one of Seattle’s signature recreation and relaxation areas, offering everything from hiking trails and protected tidal beaches to meadow lands, sea cliffs and active sand dunes. It is the city’s largest public park, serving as a nature and wildlife reserve for the benefit and education of the citizens of Seattle.
Two homes on Officer’s Row have already sold and closed with others reserved for priority sales. McMahon recently listed for sale a Prosch plan at 4002 Washington Avenue for $2 million comprising 4,027 sq. ft. with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a 12,497 sq. ft. fee simple lot (more than a quarter acre). Tours are being offered to prospective homebuyers by appointment. For more information visit www.OwnFortLawton.com.