Early Homes

Home building took off in 1914 just after Bothell Boulevard was completed, opening up access to Lake Forest Park property. Ads were meant to lure prospective residents with the promise of attractive prices and premium lots. Additionally, "The First Eight" homes were built in Lake Forest Park between 1910 and 1914 as showcases to attract land buyers. Designed by architects hired especially for the project, the residences varied greatly in size and style, from Neo-Colonial to Tudor to Bungalow. These houses were well-constructed using high quality materials, and still stand today. The City’s neighborhoods contain many homes of architectural interest and significance.

Early Homes - Alexander
Early Homes - Benson

Alexander Home

The lumber for the two-story home was shipped by scow from Seattle. This was probably the first of the "First Eight" homes to be built.

Benson Home

Originally built on a five-acre tract, this home had a Tudor style interior with huge rooms, a lofty ceiling, gigantic beams, and a large fireplace.

Early Homes - Corlett
Early Homes - Rion

Corlett Home

This home was built according to a design by architect William Kingsley. The house faced Bothell Way, with a view of Lake Washington.

Rion Home

With a stucco exterior, this home was built in the California bungalow style. It was remodeled in 1926 to add on a billiard room and replace the tile roof.

Early Homes - Ruser
Early Homes - Tryon

Ruser Home

Augustus Ruser served on the school board from 1914 to 1917, and was also one of Ole Hanson's sales people in 1915.

7 Reid Home

Reid Home

The Reid home was one of several Lake Forest Park homes to be featured in Bungalow Magazine at various times.

Tryon Home

The Tryon sisters' house is prominently situated near "The Serpentine." The sisters later purchased three more lots to add to the first.

Early Homes - Reid Home featured in Bungalow Magazine
Early Homes - Wurdemann

Wurdemann Home

The Wurdemanns were among the first to purchase lots in Lake Forest Park, securing a five acre area. Their mansion was built in the Georgian style with a marble staircase, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, four dressing rooms, and a grand spiral staircase.