For even more information about what it’s like to live in First Hill, check out the page all about First Hill here.

First stop: 609 8th Avenue

Directions: Start at 905 Cherry Street. Head Southwest on Cherry St toward 9th Ave. Turn left onto 8th Ave. First stop will be on the right

Trinity Parish Episcopal Church
Built in 1902
Seattle’s Oldest Standing Church Building

This stunning English Gothic Revival church is a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s rich history and character. Originally founded in 1870, the current structure was built in 1902 and stands today as a beautifully preserved historic landmark. Crafted from distinctive Wilkeson sandstone and featuring breathtaking stained glass windows from the renowned Franz Mayer Studio of Munich, the building is a true architectural gem. After sustaining damage in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, it underwent a full restoration and seismic retrofit, reflecting the community’s dedication to preserving its legacy. In recognition of these efforts, it received the Beth Chave Historic Preservation Award in 2015. This landmark not only adds charm and cultural depth to the area—it’s a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring spirit and care for its heritage.

Second Stop: 804 9th Avenue

Directions: Head northwest on 8th Ave toward Cherry St. Turn right onto Columbia St. Turn left onto 9th Ave. Second stop will be on the right.

St James Cathedral
Completed in 1907

The St. James Cathedral, a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance design, features buff-colored brick, elegant terra cotta details, and soaring twin towers that rise 165 feet into the sky. Its grand entrance, framed by a 60-foot-high arch, gives the area a timeless and distinctive character.

Even after a dramatic snowfall in 1916 caused the original dome to collapse, the cathedral was thoughtfully restored by renowned architect John Graham, Sr., preserving its striking features—including dramatic Baroque-style buttresses—and adding a layer of resilience to its legacy.

Inside, you'll find the largest collection of early stained-glass windows by celebrated artist Charles J. Connick in the U.S. These vivid works of art were added between 1917 and 1919 and give the space an inspiring glow. A unique window above the west doors, designed by New York’s Rambusch Studio in 1950, celebrates the spirit of Seattle with scenes of fishing, logging, and airplane manufacturing—reminding residents of the city’s hardworking roots.

Third Stop: 900 Madison Street

Directions: Head northwest on 9th Ave toward Marion St. Turn right onto Madison St. Turn Left. Destination will be on the right

The Sorrento Hotel
Built in 1909
Seattle’s Oldest Hotel

Developed in 1909 by Seattle merchant Samuel Rosenberg to welcome visitors arriving for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, the hotel was designed by architect Harlan Thomas, who drew inspiration from the Italian coast after traveling through Italy.

Enchanted by the resemblance between Seattle’s hills and the views of Naples, Thomas envisioned an Italian Renaissance-style retreat nestled right in the city. He even lined the entrance with palm trees to complete the Mediterranean feel. In a bold and innovative move for the time, he placed the dining room on the top floor—ensuring that every guest could enjoy sweeping views of the harbor and skyline.

Today, the Sorrento remains a beloved symbol of the neighborhood’s character: historic, scenic, and full of understated elegance.

Fourth Stop: 1004 Boren Ave

Directions: Head southeast toward Madison St. Turn left onto Madison St. Turn left onto Boren Ave. Destination will be on the right.

The Stacy House, now University Club
Built in 1889

The last surviving Queen Anne Victorian home in the area. Nestled just off Madison Street, this beautifully preserved 1889 residence stands as a testament to Seattle’s early grandeur. A 1906 addition expanded the home with dining and billiard rooms, blending seamlessly with the original architecture.

Originally built by real estate investor Martin van Buren Stacy, the home was the vision of his wife, Elizabeth, who is said to have played a key role in its design. She chose the location to be near her close friend, Emily Carkeek—one of many quiet reminders of the strong social connections and vibrant community that have long defined this neighborhood.

Today, the house serves as the University Club, which the club has owned since the early 1900s. Its Queen Anne architecture—complete with gables, dormers, decorative shingles, and ornate millwork—makes it a striking landmark and a symbol of the neighborhood’s storied past.

Fifth Stop: 1119 8th Avenue

Directions: Head northwest on Boren Ave. Turn left toward Boren Ave. Turn right onto Boren Ave. Turn left onto Spring St. Turn right onto 8th Ave. Halway up the block, destination will be on the left.

Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist
now, Seattle Town Hall
Completed in 1923

Town Hall Seattle brings history and creativity together under one beautifully restored roof. Originally built as the Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, the building was designed in 1916 by George Foote Dunham—a Portland architect influenced by the Neoclassical and Renaissance styles that defined the Christian Science movement’s architectural identity. While the entire building was designed in 1916, only the first level Sunday School auditorium was constructed in 1917, with access off Seneca Street. It was just a daylit basement, with its roof meeting the grade at 8th Ave. The second phase, consisting of the main auditorium, large foyer, library, and offices, was completed in 1923., earning praise for both its classic beauty and superb acoustics.

By the late 20th century, as the church’s membership declined, the future of this architectural gem was uncertain. Thankfully, Historic Seattle stepped in with a preservation plan, and in 1998 the building was reborn as Town Hall—now one of the city’s most vibrant cultural venues. From poetry readings and classical concerts to public forums, dance performances, and thought-provoking talks, the space is a gathering point for ideas, art, and civic life.

Sixth Stop: 1204 Minor Avenue

Directions: Head northwest on 8th Ave toward Seneca St. Turn right onto Seneca St. Turn left onto Minor Ave. Destination will be on the right.

Stimson-Green Mansion
Built in 1901

Built between 1899 and 1901 for lumber and real estate magnate C.D. Stimson, the mansion was designed by renowned architect Kirtland Cutter and showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of its era. With hand-adzed timbers, intricate bargeboards, and charming half-timbered details, the home is a rare and refined example of early West Coast Tudor design.

Inside, the mansion tells a story of global influence and turn-of-the-century luxury. Cutter designed every detail—from wall colors to furniture—drawing on British, French, Middle Eastern, and Native American inspirations. Highlights include a Gothic fireplace adorned with carved lions and dragon-shaped andirons, a Neoclassical parlor, a sycamore-paneled dining room with scenes of medieval life, and a brilliant blue-and-gold glass tiled hearth—each room a work of art.

Over the decades, the mansion has remained a treasured part of the community, passing through the hands of notable Seattle families before becoming the headquarters of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, it serves as both a functional community space and a beautifully preserved glimpse into First Hill’s storied past.

Living in this neighborhood means surrounding yourself with culture, history, and beauty on every block. With iconic landmarks like the Stimson-Green Mansion just around the corner, First Hill offers a sense of place that’s both refined and deeply rooted in Seattle’s legacy.

Seventh Stop: 1411 Boylston Avenue

Directions: Head northwest on Minor Ave toward University St. Turn right onto University St. Slight left onto Boylston Ave. Halwfway up the block, the destination will be on the left.

Belmont/Boylston Houses
Built in 1901

Designed between 1893 and 1902 by Henry Burke and Albert Hambach, these six historic buildings on Belmont and Boylston Avenues showcase elegant late Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles, with classic details like turned posts, Palladian windows, dentil molding, and graceful columns.

Originally built as a mix of single-family homes and stylish duplexes, these residences were thoughtfully designed to give even multifamily housing the appearance of grand, standalone homes—reflecting a moment when First Hill was transitioning from a quiet residential area to a denser, streetcar-connected urban neighborhood.

In the late 20th century, like many older homes in the city, these buildings fell into disrepair. But thanks to Historic Seattle’s vision and care, they were brought back to life through the award-winning Bel-Boy project, which preserved the buildings’ architectural charm while converting them into affordable housing. With restored woodwork, original shingling, and carefully maintained historic details, the project is a national model for blending preservation with community impact.

Eighth Stop: 1400 Harvard Ave

Directions: Head south on Boylston Ave toward E Union St. Turn left onto E Union St. Turn left onto Harvard Ave. Destination will be on the right.

1400 Harvard Avenue: Fire Station No. 25
Built in 1909

Originally built in 1908–1909 and designed by the noted firm Somervell & Coté, this former firehouse was one of the city’s first all-brick fire stations and the very first equipped for motorized fire engines.

Built into a sloping hillside, the station’s terraced design was both innovative and challenging, eventually requiring individual fire poles for each bay and guardrails for safety. Dormitories and offices once occupied the second floor of this L-shaped building, which served the city until it was declared surplus in 1970. Historic Seattle stepped in, preserving its key architectural features, arched windows, oversized doors, and distinctive rooflines. The building has been thoughtfully converted into 16 townhouse-style apartments, combining historic character with contemporary comfort.

Ninth Stop: 1121 Harvard Ave

Directions: Head south on Harvard Ave toward E Union St. Slight left onto E Union St. Turn right onto Seneca St. Turn left onto Harvard Ave. Destination will be on the right.

Seattle First Baptist Church
Built in 1912

A stunning English Gothic Revival structure with deep red brick, striking terra cotta ornamentation, and a dramatic 160-foot tower crowned with a copper-clad spire. Though the 2001 Nisqually earthquake damaged some of its intricate terra cotta detailing, careful restoration ensured its historic character remains intact. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and reverence for craftsmanship.

Just to the south on Harvard Avenue, a connected education hall adds another layer of local history. Originally designed in 1906 by the renowned firm Somervell & Coté, the building was once Minor Hospital celebrated in its time as “the first strictly modern private hospital north of San Francisco.” Named for Dr. T.T. Minor, a pioneering physician and former Seattle mayor, it was acquired by the church in 1929 and remains part of the site’s historic footprint.

Tenth Stop: 1117 Minor Avenue

Directions: Head northwest toward Seneca St. Turn left onto Seneca St. Turn left onto Minor Ave. Destination will be on the right.

Dearborn House
Built in 1907

Built in 1906–1907 and designed by architect Henry Dozier, the home reflects classical refinement with its stucco-clad exterior, intricate dentil molding, beveled glass windows, and decorative metalwork. Its sculpted bays and Prairie School-inspired art glass give it a unique charm, including golden-green stylized tulips that echo throughout the house’s elegant interiors.

The home was commissioned by Henry Dearborn, one of Seattle’s earliest and most influential real estate developers. Known as the “Tideland King” for his bold investments along the southern waterfront, Dearborn saw Seattle’s future before most and helped shape the city’s growth—both literally and figuratively, as he and his brothers even influenced the angle of the city’s piers.

Though the house later served as medical offices for decades, it was thoughtfully preserved and restored by Historic Seattle in 1997. Today, it serves as the organization’s headquarters and continues to embody First Hill’s deep respect for its architectural and cultural legacy.

Eleventh Stop: 1104 Spring Street

Directions: Head southeast on Minor Ave. Turn right onto Spring St. Destination will be on the right.

Hofius House/ Connolly House
Built in 1902

W.D. Hofius arrived in Seattle from Pennsylvania in the late 1880s and soon established himself as a prominent figure in the city’s industrial landscape. Partnering with William Pigott, he founded W.D. Hofius & Co. in 1893, a firm specializing in railroad equipment and supplies. This enterprise later evolved into Hofius Steel & Equipment Co., which provided steel for many of Seattle’s most notable buildings.

In 1902, architects Walter Spaulding and Max Umbrecht designed a striking Venetian Gothic palazzo for Hofius’s residence at the corner of Boren and Spring. With its meticulously crafted brickwork, copper roof and dormers, and terra cotta porches and verandas, this exotic home was—and remains—an architectural rarity in Seattle. Its style, more commonly found on Chicago’s Gold Coast or New York’s Fifth Avenue, stands as an elegant anomaly amid the city’s modern traffic and high-rise condominiums.

The decorative motifs from the exterior are thoughtfully echoed throughout the interior, showcasing an eclectic blend of Greco-Roman, Moorish Venetian Gothic, and Art Nouveau influences. Highlights include mosaic tile floors, Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts stained-glass windows, plaster moldings adorned with stylized wheat patterns, Honduran mahogany Gothic screens, and a Moorish-inspired ogee-arched fireplace crafted from variegated green Italian onyx. The Moorish aesthetic extends to the intricately carved cornices and ceiling panels, enriching the home’s ornate character.

Since 1920, the property—known as the Connolly House—has been owned by the Archdiocese of Seattle and served as the residence of the archbishop until recently. The house was acquired for Bishop O'Dea in the 1920s following the destruction of his previous home at 710 Terry Avenue. From 1951 to 1991, Archbishop Connolly resided in this First Hill mansion, with his two successors also making it their home.

Twelfth Stop: 1205 Spring Street

Directions: Head northeast on Spring St. Slight right toward Spring St. Turn left toward Spring St. Turn right onto Spring St. Destination will be on the right.

The San Marco
Built in 1901

One of the earliest examples of multi-family residences within in the First Hill neighborhood.

The elegant design features a small, inviting courtyard surrounded by three sections, each with arched entrances, comprising a total of nineteen units. Designed by architectural firm Saunders and Lawton, the building exhibits characteristic elements of the Spanish Mission style. The stucco exterior and the shaped dormers and parapets exemplify the Mission style as it was practiced locally at this time.

The building blended seamlessly within the surrounding residential streetscape, embodying a harmonious blend of historic architectural significance and timeless elegance.

First Hill Architectural Walking Tour