About Port Townsend's Historic Uptown

Uptown Neighborhood

By far the most popular place to call home in Port Townsend due to its great location close to everything, and it's Victorian architecture, preserved since the early 1880's. Chance and circumstances have saved this wonderful little town from the remodel and tear down of these historic homes and buildings. From the earliest recession in the 1890's when the planned railroad went to Seattle instead, this shipping port saw many downturns and setbacks which led to unemployment and isolation.

Today, we still have those issues, but people who can manage to live here enjoy the tradeoff for small town atmosphere, lack of crime and traffic, clean air, charming ambience, and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Uptown is the area on the bluff above the waterfront, a neighborhood preferred by the early families moving to the area to get away from saloons, busy wharf activity, and unsavory characters. Not much thought was given to ocean views by those building the magnificent Victorians, but I suspect a respite from ocean winds and easy access to stores and shops.

Homes in the Uptown area have charm in common, and range from small bungalows to large Victorian Mansions and of 4000+ square feet. Lot sizes range from 5000 to 10000 sq. ft. Prices range from $239,000 to $1,000,000 +.

The uptown retail area is anchored by the Aldrich's market and has restaurants, shops, theater, and medical offices. There is a stairway that will take you right down to the main street of town. This photo was taken at 3:00 in the afternoon on a winter day.

Port Townsend's annual Victorian Home Tour is coming up this weekend on September 19^th and 20^th. Port Townsend is one of 4 Victorian Seaports on the National Register, and has a wonderful collection of well preserved or re-habed homes, mostly from the late 1800's. These lovely homes can be toured inside with self guided tour or with the aid of the homeowners and docents on hand, dressed in period costumes and all very knowledgeable about the history of Port Townsend.

The money raised goes to support the Jefferson Health Care Auxiliary and is also sponsored by the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce.

Return to my website:

http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net

On tour this Saturday and Sunday:

(You can see all these properties on Saturday or Sunday or see part each day)

Horton Bendixen House Circa 1889 1706 Clay Street

Built as a spec house and moved to it's present location in 1905.

Daniel Hill House Circa 1862 411 Fillmore

Originally built as a simple farmhouse

Captain Thomas and Lizzie Grant House

731 Pierce Street

Italian style Villa, typical of the local fashion

Chapel Bay Circa 1850 821 Jefferson

821 Jefferson Street

This years tea house where tea and cookies are served. The chapel is said to have been brought by barge from Bellingham in the 1800's and was used as the parish hall for St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Siebenbaum Building 1917

815 Washington Street

Antique Auto Museum

First Presbyterian Church Circa 1876

1111 Franklin Street

Built in stages from 1875 to present

Clark Aldrich House Circa 1889

1123 Van Ness

Built as a rental house, an example of a simple home built during Port Townsend's "boom period" in the early 1890's.

Lucinda Hastings House Circa 1891

514 Franklin Street

3642 square feet, with view of bay and

and had 5 fireplaces. Recently sold for

over $900,000.

Plus, the Palace Hotel on Water Street. Built in 1889 for Captain Tibbals. Also, the Commanding Officer's Quarters at Fort Worden. Circa 1930's and furnished with period furnishings.

A glimpse into this wonderful whacky place called Port Townsend. It seems every weekend has a festival or reason to celebrate. Life is short!

Last weekend on a gorgeous sunny day, it was the "Uptown Street Fair". Held in the Uptown business section on Lawrence Street at Tyler, beginning with the popular Farmer's Market, it featured live music most of the day, a 5 minute parade in which anyone can participate, a beer garden with local brew on tap and lots of food, arts and crafts. People enjoy the opportunity to mingle, greet neighbors, hear upbeat music, shop for food and art, and have a beer on draft.

Coming in September check out the Wooden Boat Festival, Kayak Symposium, and the Port Townsend Film Festival.

http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/

Bigger and better than ever.

Located at Lawrence and Tyler, this open air
forum for local farmers and artistic craftsmen
to display and sell their products has been
operating seasonally for 17 years.

The market started in 1992 with 14 local growers
of organic and specialty produce. There are currently over 90 vendors including artisans, wine, cheese,
breads, pastries, soaps, lavendar and food vendors.


The market has Port Townsend's unique flavor and
features live music, cooking demonstations, non-
profit projects.

It is held every saturday during the warmer seasons
and on Wednesday a smaller merket is held on
Polk St. 3.30 - 6.30

For more information and schedule please
visit: http://farmersmarket.org

For Port Townsend Real Estate help or information please visit my interactive website.
http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/

Coming up Aug. 22, this is always a lively and well attended event with plenty of music and good food. Held on Lawrence Street at Taylor where the Uptown shops are anchored by Aldriches Market. The Farmer's Market will open as usual at 9:30 with specialized tent shops of fresh produce, flowers and crafts. A parade starts at 1:00 with everyone invited to march in costume or not.

Music will begin at 10 am with the Port Townsend Summer Band, the Delta Rays, Mystery Band, One Mean Cheese, and belly dancing performed by Middle East Out West.

The kids can make festival hats, do face painting, a sidewalk chalk art contest, painting and sculpting contests. There will be an outdoor beer garden and music will continue into the evening at the Uptown Pub.