Historic Preservation Program
Whether it's a 19th century log house, an Art Deco school or a prehistoric shell midden, these places are silent witnesses to the history of King County and to its people's lives and cultures. Preserving our significant historic properties is the mission of the King County Historic Preservation Program and the Landmarks Commission. Welcome to this online tool for those interested in preservation efforts throughout the County.
Executive Constantine honors historic property advocates with John D. Spellman Awards
The 2020 recipients of Spellman Awards for historic preservation are:
Prescott-Harshman House
Aroma Coffee Co. for transforming the 1904 Prescott-Harshman House in Fall City into a vibrant cafe and community gathering place. Business owners Sara Cox, Emily Ridout, and Kelsey Wilson were honored for introducing a new, modern use to this long-cherished building that housed the community’s phone company switchboard for 35 years. Changes were made to accommodate the building’s new role, but its unique and authentic characteristics were retained.
Mukai Farm and Garden
Friends of Mukai for restoring the Mukai Garden on Vashon Island. Designed by Kuni Mukai and constructed by B.D. and Masa Mukai between 1926 and 1930, the Mukai Garden is the only known surviving garden in the U.S. designed by a first-generation Japanese woman. This remarkable garden showcases traditional Japanese garden design adapted to an American landscape and serves as a tangible expression of the resiliency of Japanese immigrants’ cultural traditions.
Krainick Dairy Farm
Krainick Dairy Farm for the vital role this longstanding business has played in maintaining the cultural identity and heritage of its community. Located on the Enumclaw Plateau, an area with a rich agricultural history, this farm has been owned by the Krainick family for over 100 years and operated by third -generation Krainick family farmers Mike and& Leann Krainick for the last 30 years.
Thomas K. Hitzroth
Thomas K. Hitzroth for the lasting impact his commitment to advancing heritage and historic preservation has made on our community. Mr. Hitzroth was honored for his public service and leadership in chairing the King County Landmarks Commission and for relentlessly researching and sharing the fascinating history of east King County.
Events
News and announcements
King County Landmarks Commission Meeting - January 28, 2021 - *Virtual Mtg* - 155KB PDF
NEW!! Interactive Historic Properties Map
Presentation on Mid-Century Modern Houses in King County - September 18, 2017 - 374KB PDF
For more information about historic preservation in King County, Washington, please contact Jennifer Meisner, Preservation Officer, Dept. of Natural Resources and Parks.