Broadmoor’s History
From the very beginning Broadmoor was an “idea ahead of its time” as it was marketed in 1925 by the Puget Mill Company, a subsidiary of Pope and Talbot. A private residential park surrounded by an 18-hole golf course within the city limits of Seattle. For many years it bore the distinction of being the only one in any metropolitan city in the United States. The company announced that there would be underground utilities, driveways would be paved and “every feature will be in keeping with the exclusive residential district intended.”
Originally part of Washington Park, our 220 acre community had it’s beginnings in 1924 when Pope and Talbot gave Seattle the entire Arboretum property in exchange for city -provided water, timber and land elsewhere in the city.
Four hundred residential lots were staked and surveyed “all conforming to the natural contour of the land” and ranging in price from $3,000-$6,000. Membership in the “exclusive” golf club went with every home site and was restricted to residents of Broadmoor. However, there was little buying. Seattleites were just beginning to feel the money pinch of the depression in the mid-1920′s. Five model homes were built and the public was invited to inspect them. They sold, but slowly. Housing starts were rare. In 1928, the golf club was dedicated.
With the crash of 1929, the full force of the depression hit Seattle and development of Broadmoor slowed considerably. In 1933, the Puget Mill Company hired a real estate firm. To get sales moving, they immediately expanded lot sizes and called in five of the city’s well known architects to build “the best homes in Seattle”. George Wellington Stoddard, William J Bain, J. Lister Holmes, Edwin Ivey and Arthur Loveless all played key roles in shaping the architecture of Broadmoor.
What make’s Broadmoor so special?
I think that the (over 300) families that live here love our community for several reasons. First & foremost, I think it is because Broadmoor really has the feel of an old fashioned neighborhood (one where you can really get to know your neighbors) that is so appealing to many that choose to live here. This is a neighborhood that encourages community spirit with seasonal potlucks, cocktail parties and holiday celebrations that are open to all residents, and provide a wonderful way (for those who want to), to get to know their neighbors.
Second to that, I think that one of the most desirable aspects about Broadmoor is the security it offers its residents. Whether you are a young family with children-(and want a neighborhood that they can freely ride their bikes in, “man” a lemonade stand, or walk to the village for an ice cream cone- and not worry about them), or an empty nester and/or professional who loves the fact that they can freely travel and not be concerned about the security of their home-Broadmoor is a great choice! Because this neighborhood is gated and monitored by a security staff, you not only benefit from the reduced traffic, but also from the guards who (when you are out of town), can pick up your mail & keep an eye on your home for you.
Finally, the third reason that our residents love this community is its close proximity (truly, a short walk!) to the charming village of Madison Park, and all of the eateries & establishments. Downtown Seattle is just 5 or so minutes from the front gate down Madison, and access to the eastside….well, the entrance to the 520 bridge is right outside our “back gate”. Community, security & location!
