Fronting 26th Street in the Central District just east of downtown, this topographically varied, one-quarter-acre site served as the residence and studio of sculptural carver, author and activist Dr. James Washington, Jr., (1909-2000) and his wife Janie Rogella Washington for more than half a century. In 1882, African American businessman William Grose purchased twelve acres in the neighborhood and sold parcels to other African American families.
The historic property, nestled between residential lots, features a modest, Craftsman-style bungalow, designed in 1918 by E.A. Gustafson and purchased in 1945 by the Washingtons. Dr. James Washington used the bungalow’s basement as a workspace until 1965, at which point he engaged architect William Bain to design a separate, two-story studio at the rear of the property downslope. Connected to the residence by wooden staircases and walks, the studio was sited adjacent to an alley to facilitate the transport of materials and sculptures.
Today a narrow stone verge, sidewalk, clipped holly shrubs, and a wooden fence, painted red to match the house, borders the property along 26th Street. Between the fence and the residence is a narrow lawn edged by shrubs, including rhododendron and yew, and stone sculptures by Dr. James Washington. North of the residence is a wooden carport flanked by a single coniferous tree, and relatively level lawn embellished by a modest kidney shaped pool. Animated by a naturalistic cascade, the concrete water feature is encircled by stones. From the pool, tiered beds planted with bamboo and ferns descend to the studio, located in the site’s northeastern corner. Directly behind the residence is a modest greenhouse, established by the Washingtons.
In 1992, while the Washingtons were still in residence, the property was designated a Seattle Landmark. Five years later, the couple established the James W. Washington, Jr. and Janie Rogella Washington Foundation to oversee the property’s stewardship and their legacy.
