Slated for demolition, Old Bellevue’s historic Philbrook House may be granted a reprieve if Nils Dickmann can gather city council support.
The Philbrook House is a Victoria-era home built in the 1890s at 10133 Main Street that has been repurposed over the past 120 years and is listed on the city’s historic resources inventory.
It began as a farmhouse and then a residence for Civil War veteran Alphonso Philbrook before becoming a restaurant in the 1920s, which was operated by Florence Carter and served whalers headquartered in Meydenbauer Bay. In the 1940s it was a plumbing store and then a bakery. It served as various antique businesses from the 70s to 90s.
The Eastside Heritage Center called upon Bellevue residents to take up the charge and save the historic building from demolition last year, after the Gordon James Fine Diamonds owners proposed leveling the Philbrook House to make way for a two-story, 1,600-square-foot office building behind their shop on Main Street.
When no one came forward last year, it was assumed the house was not long for this world. Then Dickmann, an international lumber broker who grew up in Bellevue, found out about the demolition plans and decided to take action.
“It actually has quite an illustrious history, which is interesting,” he said. “The biggest problem is actually where to put it.”
Dickmann said he has received a $2,500 commitment from Gordon James to remove the building from its property, and a quote from a contractor for around $3,000-$4,000 to do so. He also has started a GoFundMe page with a $30,000 goal to cover future maintenance costs, should he find a relocation site for the Philbrook House.
Gordon James Raine was unavailable for comment, but a diamond store associate told the Reporter Tuesday the company wants to support Dickmann’s effort as much as it can.
Dickmann said he wants to see the Philbrook House relocated to a more wooded portion of Wildwood Park, a short distance south from where it sits now, and plans to approach the city council in April with his proposal. He added James Gordon wants to have the home removed by May, so construction of the new office building can start.
Eastside Heritage Center Executive Director Heather Trescases said the nonprofit’s board has approved drafting a letter of support for relocating the Philbrook House, but is awaiting a vote from its executive committee as to what level.
“We would certainly encourage the city to be as proactive as possible,” said Chris Moore, executive director for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. “It’s challenging for cities to be the only solution at the 11th hour of a crisis.”
Moore said he didn’t realize there was such a historic structure in downtown Bellevue until speaking with Dickmann, the two having collaborated in the past to preserve another home on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle.
While relocating the house to a city park would be ideal, Moore said Dickmann may have better luck convincing the city to allow the Philbrook to be set aside at a facility or undeveloped property until a more permanent solution is found.
“It would be great to see the Philbrook House preserved,” he said. “There’s not much like this in Bellevue anymore, let alone downtown.”
