Historic Palmer house gets its official recognition – again

 I want to particularly thank the current owners, Christian and Marina Anderson, for recognizing, valuing, and preserving this reminder of our community’s heritage.””

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen

Welcome back, 820 Maple St.

The historic property, included on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places in 2011, fell off the list in 2018 when questions were raised about window renovation work done on the home that had impacted architectural accuracy. 

But later, after further review, the Edmonds Citizens’ Historic Preservation reinstated the designation. On Sept. 16, it became official when Mayor Mike Rosen and Historic Preservation chair Larry Vogel presented owners Christian and Marina Anderson with a plaque the couple plans to install on the concrete entranceway to their home.

The home, built in 1895, is now the city’s 24th on the register. The 23rd, exactly two blocks away on 820 Main St., received its plaque Aug. 27.

In addition to its status as one of Edmonds’ earliest homes, it’s known for the people who have lived there.

The original owner was local physician Dr. W.C. Palmer, two Edmonds fire chiefs, and two Edmonds mayors. 

Palmer lived there until 1914. The next resident, Matt Engels, was elected Edmonds mayor in 1922, served for two years, and in 1929 was appointed Edmonds fire chief.  After passing through several subsequent owners, it was purchased in 1965 by then-Fire Chief Jack Cooper, who later passed the home to his son, Mike, also a firefighter for both Edmonds and Shoreline. Mike Cooper was later appointed Edmonds mayor in 2010 to fill out the term of outgoing Mayor Gary Haakenson.  

The home remains a largely intact example of the Queen Anne style, with ornate, exposed rafter tails and original wood siding, restored in 2016.

While some alterations have been made over the years, the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission has determined that these do not affect the historic integrity of the home’s exterior.  It stands as a classic example of this architectural style and of the development of the Edmonds community in the late 19th century.

“This home reflects a rough-and-tumble period in our town’s history when the Bowl area was being actively logged, and sawdust and smoke from our waterfront mills filled the air,” Mike Rosen said.

 “I want to particularly thank the current owners, Christian and Marina Anderson, for recognizing, valuing, and preserving this reminder of our community’s heritage.” 

The Edmonds Register of Historic Places is maintained by the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission as part of its mission to recognize, preserve, and celebrate Edmonds’ heritage.  

 By listing their homes on the Register, owners enjoy benefits including special tax valuation and the pride of preserving a piece of Edmonds history.