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AT HOME IN TACOMA
A blog about all the little things that make Tacoma home.

Osgood-Anderson Estate in Stadium-Seminary Historical District of North Tacoma

  • By Sharon Benson
  • 01 Jul, 2022

Built in 1896 and brimming with original features, beautifully restored details, and convenient modern amenities, the stunning Osgood-Anderson estate presents the opportunity to own a cherished piece of Tacoma history! In 2007, this home was added to the Tacoma Historic and Washington Heritage Registers. Its historical significance is in part due to it being an outstanding example of a Shingle Style residence, which is uncommon in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the home is notable for its connection to 2 prominent Tacoma citizens and 2 leading Pacific Northwest architects. Featuring a 5,366-square-foot layout with 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths, impeccably curated living spaces, and even an ADU, this North Tacoma masterpiece is ready for its next exciting chapter! Located at 407 N E Street Tacoma, WA 98403, the Osgood-Anderson estate is listed for $1,295,000.

Captivating curb appeal offers just a hint of the old-world character that awaits inside. A grand oak staircase and beautiful gas fireplace anchor the front hall, while oak paneling wraps the room and original boxed beams adorn the ceilings. In the exquisite parlors, a mix of mahogany and oak columns punctuate each space. One-of-a-kind, original creations are made all the more appealing thanks to the fact that this home meets modern standards of living as well—for example, all electrical and plumbing is new and up to code. Additionally, as the home is on both Tacoma Historic and Washington Heritage Registers, improvements made to the property are credited to the assessed value, in turn keeping the property taxes lower.
In the front parlor, a wood-burning fireplace and bay windows delight, and even more space for entertaining awaits in the back parlor. The floor plan seamlessly transitions into the impressively appointed dining room. Custom details are at every turn, including built-in display cases created by Darmer. A Bradbury and Bradbury wallpaper frieze wraps the room, and the chandeliers were originally in the Thorne Mansion and featured in the Stephen King movie “Rose Red.”
In the custom kitchen, a Craftsman-style aesthetic rests alongside contemporary convenience. Quarter-sawn oak cabinets, soapstone counters, custom tile by Canadian artist Mary Philpott, and Rejuvenation lighting are all featured. Original built-in cabinets have been restored and were moved into a pantry, and the original call button switchboard from the butler’s pantry has been rewired and serves as light switches for the kitchen. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered over the years!
On the 2nd floor you’ll find 2 bedrooms, one of which is a massive primary suite that includes a sitting room, fireplace, an office with a wet bar, a large walk-in closet, an ensuite bath (fun fact: this bathroom was one of the first in the City of Tacoma!), laundry facilities, and a viewing deck where you can admire views of Commencement Bay, the Port of Tacoma, Wednesday night sailing races, and fireworks on the 4th of July! As for the 3rd floor, you’ll find 2 additional bedrooms, an office/bonus room, and a ¾ bath.
One of this home’s major perks is the fact that it comes with an apartment/ADU in the basement. This 3-bedroom apartment can be accessed through the backyard, and features a newly remodeled kitchen and bath, as well an in-unit laundry and lots of storage!
A detached 2-car garage (which can be accessed through the alley) provides even more flexibility. The ample-sized lot holds wonderful outdoor possibilities as well—garden beds are ready for your green thumb, a fenced yard is perfect for letting your pets explore, and even more views of Commencement Bay stretch out onto the horizon.

A Brief History of the the Osgood-Anderson Home

Here are a few interesting facts about this home’s history:

  • The home was originally designed by Albert Sutton in 1893 for George Osgood and completed in 1896.

  • George Osgood founded Wheeler-Osgood, a door and window manufacturing company in the Tideflats. One of the waterways in the Tideflats is named after him.

  • Architect Albert Sutton worked on projects including the National Bank of Tacoma Building, the W.R. Rust Building, Scottish Rite Cathedral, Annie Wright Seminary, several buildings on the campus of the College of Puget Sound (now known as “University of Puget Sound,” (UPS)) and numerous residences. (The fountain and circle near the administration building at UPS is named Sutton Quadrangle in his honor.)

  • The second owner was Robert E Anderson, a prominent insurance broker who specialized in real estate loans. Anderson commissioned George Darmer to transform the home in 1903. Gas lighting was replaced with electricity, and the dining room, indoor bathroom, grand staircase, and exquisite millwork were all added at this time.

  • Architect George Darmer is best known for his design of the Meeker Mansion in Downtown Puyallup.

Living in the Stadium-Seminary Historical District of North Tacoma

At 407 N E Street Tacoma, WA 98403, you’re just down the street from the iconic Stadium High School and absolutely surrounded by dining, shopping, parks, schools, commuting options, medical facilities… and more! Popular Stadium District restaurants are merely a couple of blocks away, as is grocery shopping at Stadium Thriftway. Wright Park and hospitals/medical facilities are just up the street, and Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club and Annie Wright Schools are blocks away in the other direction. There are also some excellent commuting options—the Stadium District Link and freeway access are easily within reach.


Would you like to learn more about this historic Tacoma home? Contact Sharon Benson here or Kelli Jo Hjalseth here!

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