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Seattle's Queen Anne Pool Landmarked, Headed to City Council
The midcentury pool designed by the state's first Black licensed architect faces review for historic preservation.
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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Seattle's Queen Anne Pool, designed by Benjamin F. McAdoo Jr., the first Black architect licensed in Washington, has been designated as a historic landmark by the city's Landmarks Preservation Board. The modest midcentury building's clean modern lines and social history are now being recognized, and a designating ordinance has been referred to the Seattle City Council for consideration.
Why it matters
The landmark designation for the Queen Anne Pool recognizes the contributions of Black architects like McAdoo, whose work has often been overlooked. It also highlights the importance of preserving civic spaces that reflect a community's history and values.
The details
The Queen Anne Pool features details like exposed brick, wood-slat paneling, and glulam beams that reflect McAdoo's regional modernist approach and his belief that modern design should be accessible to everyone. The preservation effort was led by the Queen Anne Historical Society, which argued the pool met multiple criteria for architectural and community significance.
- The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods signaled the designating ordinance for the Queen Anne Pool has been referred to the Seattle City Council for consideration in February 2026.
- The Landmarks Preservation Board voted to designate the Queen Anne Pool as a historic landmark in May 2024.
The players
Benjamin F. McAdoo Jr.
The first African American architect licensed in the state of Washington, who designed the Queen Anne Pool and other civic projects across the Puget Sound region.
Queen Anne Historical Society
The organization that prepared the nomination for the Queen Anne Pool to be designated as a historic landmark.
Seattle City Council
The governing body that will consider adopting the designating ordinance for the Queen Anne Pool as a historic landmark.
Seattle Parks and Recreation
The city department that currently operates the Queen Anne Pool, which is currently closed for emergency maintenance.
What’s next
The Seattle City Council will consider adopting the designating ordinance for the Queen Anne Pool as a historic landmark.
The takeaway
The landmark designation for the Queen Anne Pool, designed by the state's first Black licensed architect, is an important step in recognizing the contributions of underrepresented communities in Seattle's architectural and civic history.
