The Howard S. Wright house (2112 RUCKER AVE) has coughed up its 14th and last dumpster load of debris by the end of summer 2007. The recyclables have been recycled and the many items left by the recent owner and several tenants have been donated or sold at the estate sale netting over $5000 for Historic Everett for renovation. Also, all of the original doors, windows, moldings and woodwork from the interior has been carefully removed and stored for use in the restoration of the house. What remains inside is the skeleton of the original home built and lived in by Wright and his family from 1905 to the early 1920's.

The house was remodeled in the late 20's by the Hesseltine family. They added a new fireplace and opened the wall between the front room and the parlor creating a very large living room. Then in 1959, it was converted to an eight-unit apartment with 8 bathrooms, 8 kitchens and lots of walls and doors that pretty much obscured the original layout of the rooms.

Now, with all the lath and plaster and extra walls gone it is much easier to imagine how elegant the interior was a century ago. We're in the process of creating measured drawings of the structure and floor plan as it was built. Construction plans are still in the works but will be finalized and on display when the house is open for the annual home tour in September 2007.

The Hilzinger house next door is looking for a buyer who will agree to preserve the appearance of the building while following the guidelines of the Historic Overlay Zone, the recommendations of the Everett Historical Commission and the requirements set forth by the Board of Historic Everett.

A surprising number of people have shown interest. Historic Everett is committed saving the house so we're happy to work with all interested parties. Please contact Valerie Steel at 425-308-6052 if you would like further information.