Historic Preservation in Kenmore is administered by the City with technical assistance from the King County Historic Preservation Program through an interlocal agreement between the City and County. The King County Historic Preservation Program maintains an inventory of over 1,000 historic resources located throughout the County. Development proposals for resources listed in the inventory in Kenmore are circulated by the City to the King County Historic Preservation Officer for review and comment. Sites in Kenmore which are included in the Inventory of Historic Landmarks include:
The Kenmore Community Clubhouse was constructed in 1929-1930 for the Kenmore Community Club and was designated as a local landmark in 2015. The Clubhouse is a rare surviving building that exemplifies the importance of clubs and civic organizations in early to mid-20th century King County. The Clubhouse has served as a meeting space for a wide variety of organizations and activities, especially during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, and is still being used for its original purpose.
Saint Edward Seminary is a Local Landmark and is already listed on the State of Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places. The Seminary opened its doors in 1931 as Washington State's first Catholic seminary for the education of diocesan priests. In the late 1930s, the school became the first fully accredited seminary in the United States. The building is a highly intact, large-scale example of the Late Romanesque Revival style and is the work of architect John Graham Sr. a prolific early 20th century architect in the Pacific Northwest whose most notable commissions in Seattle included the Space Needle, Frederick & Nelson Department Store, Dexter-Horton Building, and the former Bon Marche building. After declining enrollment, the seminary and its surrounding land were sold in 1977 to the State of Washington to become Saint Edward State Park. Beginning in 2017, Daniels Real Estate rehabilitated and restored the seminary building which had been vacant and fallen into disrepair. The Lodge at St. Edward State Park opened in 2021.
The Charles M. Thomsen Estate is a designated Local Landmark in Kenmore and may also be eligible for the Washington Heritage Register or the National Register. The Thomsen House was built in 1927 in the French Provincial Style. While the vast majority of Period Revival style residences in King County are located in Seattle, the handful of Period Revival homes in other areas of the County consist of variations of the English Cottage and Colonial Revival Styles. The Thomsen Estate is notable as it is the only known example of a rural residence constructed in the French Provincial Style and it is considered to be in good condition with many original features.
Other eligible properties are likely within the City but additional historic surveys and analysis are necessary. For example, the 1993 Northshore Community Plan Update and Area Zoning listed other sites which may be considered for inclusion in the Inventory include the Inglewood Country Club Clubhouse and Log Cabin Apartments.
Benefits of landmark designation can include eligibility for grant funds for building rehabilitation from the County, special valuation under State tax abatement legislation, and eligibility for technical assistance from the King County Landmarks Commission. Controls include restriction on altering any significant feature identified in a Landmark Designation Report, regardless of whether a building permit is required, without first obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission, except for in-kind maintenance and repair.
