Chapter for iconic Capitol Hill writers site coming to an end

A page is turning for a staple in Seattle’s literary history.

The nonprofit Hugo House is preparing to close its doors at 1634 11th Ave. But before it does the current board and staff plan to have one last hurrah.

The last party at the house is being planned for May 7. It will be a celebration of what has become known as a “place for writers.”

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Hugo House, named after Seattle native and poet Richard Hugo, was founded in 1996. The nonprofit offers classes, programs and services for writers.

Because the house didn’t fit the criteria, however, it will become a six-story mixed-use residential building. The building will feature 80 apartments, a 10,300-sqaure-foot community center, and 1,500 square feet of retail space. Parking for 95 vehicles will be added.

The Hugo House will be demolished later this year.

Despite its history, the Hugo House did not make the cut for becoming a Seattle landmark. The Seattle Landmarks Board rejected it for historical protection in 2013, according to city documents. It failed to meet any of the criteria for being a landmark designation.

Though the building will be demolished, Hugo House isn’t going away. The community center being added in the new building will be designated for the house.

Hugo House will temporarily relocate while its new digs are under construction.

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