On Friday, May 11th, the Madison Park community came together at Park House to learn about the University of Washington’s plans for a $10 million renovation of its historic Row House. Built in 1918, the Shell House was home to UW crews until 1949, and even housed the famous 1936 Olympic gold medal winning eight-oar crew whose story is told in Daniel James Brown’s best-selling book, Boys in the Boat. The event aimed to raise project funds and give the public an opportunity to learn more about plans through an exhibition of photos from over the years with vintage wood oars and seats made by famed boat-builder George Pocock. Nicole Klein, head of the renovation efforts for the university, was in attendance to field questions and discuss the University’s vision.
A collection of vintage photos and boat-ware was on display throughout the event.
The event was orchestrated by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty broker Toby Lumpkin, who became involved in renovation efforts last fall when he met Klein at the Head of the Lake Regatta. Lumpkin was thrilled to combine his passions for architecture, the University of Washington, and the sport of rowing. As he told Madison Park Times in an article following the event, during his time at the university, UW rowers would find reasons to hang out in the structure even though it wasn’t in use.
RSIR broker Toby Lumpkin (top left) had a great time opening the doors of Park House to share the Shell House project with the community.
“For over a century, the UW crews have exemplified excellence. With both the men’s and women’s teams ranked first in the nation, the program is the class of the sport,” Lumpkin says. “The UW crew team’s drive reminds me of the relentless innovation that makes Sotheby’s International Realty the leading real estate brokerage in the world.”
Broker Care Coordinator Ethan Williamson & Broker Leslie Dickinson were all smiles during the pop-up event.
The building was originally built as a Navy hangar during World War I, but the war ended before the facility could be used so the University purchased it for $1 in 1919. As Klein tells Madison Park Times, UW wants to open the facility back up to students and the general public, “building community and the Montlake Cut waterfront. The shell house will be repurposed for lectures, classes, graduations and ceremonies, as well as available to rent.”
RSIR broker Laura Halliday (right) welcomed her clients for an evening of UW fun in Madison Park.
If everything goes according to plan, Klein says, the renovated ASUW Shell House will open sometime in 2020.