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The Olmsted Brothers plan for landscaping the Capitol Campus area included the preservation of Governor Isaac Stevens' (the first Territorial Governor's) residence. Built in 1856, its location on the campus faced 11th Avenue. The house's original elevation was considerably above the street. The Olmsteds proposed retaining that height, terracing up to it from Capitol Way to form a hill whose high point would be in the corner of the grounds formed by 11th and Water Streets. A Google Earth overlay shows the front door to face 11th Avenue with a large front yard. The side of the house butted up against Columbia Street (now a green space). Olympia High School's smokestack is visible at the far right. |
In 1928, when Governor Hartley discovered that the house and therefore the hill was being retained, he refused to allow it. He argued that the elevation cut off the view of the capitol from the residents facing 11th Avenue, as well as the traffic on Capitol Way. Kate Stevens Bates, daughter of Isaac Stevens, objected strongly. The press, the public, and Governor Hartley debated. Eventually, the Capitol Committee approved the destruction of Stevens' residence, despite strong objections, and a new grading plan was made. The house was razed in 1929. |
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