The winners of the 24th John D. Spellman Awards for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation include the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for restoring one of the oldest structures in the region, a longtime family-owned business that is a community cornerstone in downtown Enumclaw, and a former museum director in Renton whose passion for history brought local stories to life for nearly two decades.
We hosted a celebration for the winners at the Lake Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley where then-King County Executive Shannon Braddock presented the awards.
“Spellman Award winners protect and revitalize the places that tell our shared story,” said John Taylor, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “Their dedication to historic preservation makes it possible for a new generation to experience the unique history of King County.”
The recipients of the 24th Spellman Awards for historic preservation are:
Black Diamond Historical Society and Museum was honored for its outstanding efforts to preserve the historic Black Diamond Depot and share King County’s rich heritage. Founded in 1976 to save the depot, the all-volunteer Black Diamond Historical Society restored the building and opened the museum in 1982. Today, they serve as the community’s memory, producing local history publications, hosting heritage festivals, workshops, tours, and school programs. For more than 40 years, the organization has exemplified the power of storytelling and public access to local history.
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Preservation Program was recognized for their exceptional efforts to preserve, stabilize, and restore the Reynolds Indian Agency Cabin — one of King County’s earliest and most significant buildings. Built in the 1860s and long home to federal agent Charles Reynolds, the cabin had severely deteriorated when the Tribe purchased the property in 2018. Log cabin specialists were hired to meticulously rehabilitate the hand-hewn log structure, replacing damaged elements and reconstructing its roof and second floor. Tribal archaeologists oversaw all ground-disturbing work as a new post-and-pier foundation was installed to support the restored cabin, which will anchor future interpretation of the Tribe’s history, sovereignty, and resilience.
Rainier Bar & Grill was recognized in the Legacy Business category for its enduring role as a welcoming community cornerstone in downtown Enumclaw. Founded in 1913 as one of the state’s first Rainier Beer distributorships, the business evolved through Prohibition and a series of local owners. Restorations in the 1980s and again after current owners Jeff and Debbie Schweter purchased it in 2005 revived its historic character, including its stately back bar – crafted in Chicago in 1897 and shipped around Cape Horn to a bar in Anchorage before finding its permanent home in Enumclaw in the 1930s. Now managed by Jeff and Debbie’s daughter Jillian Warren, the Rainier Bar & Grill continues to thrive as a family-friendly gathering place in Enumclaw.
Dr. Elizabeth P. Stewart was honored for her decades-long devotion to uncovering the power of place and history as Director of the Renton History Museum. For 19 years, she led the museum with creativity and care, expanding exhibits, programs, and partnerships that helped residents see themselves in Renton’s story. Her collaborative student exhibits and the nationally touring Sorting Out Race show deepened community dialogue, while her guidance strengthened the city’s cultural planning and preservation efforts. A gifted storyteller and collaborator, Elizabeth leaves a legacy of inclusivity and deepened community connection to history.
Jennifer Meisner, King County’s Historic Preservation Officer, and Sean P. Kelly, Mayor of Maple Valley, delivered remarks. Dean Kralios, King County Landmarks Commission Chair, highlighted recently designated landmarks:
- The 1926 English-Peterson House in Snoqualmie
- The 1967 Charnley House in Shoreline
- The 1938 Highland Dairy Farm near Woodinville
- The 1914-1950 Fujioka Farm on Vashon Island
- The 1988 Talgo Bistro Car #7304 in Snoqualmie
The King County Historic Preservation Program was established in 1978 to identify, document, and protect significant historic resources. The program staffs a nine-person Landmarks Commission, conducts environmental reviews in cooperation with other agencies and jurisdictions, manages a regional preservation program in partnership with numerous suburban cities, maintains an inventory of historic resources, and develops and implements incentives to support and encourage restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties.
The awards are named in honor of John D. Spellman, former Washington Governor and King County’s first Executive, who established the County’s Historic Preservation Program. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks hosts the celebration in a different city or unincorporated community each year.
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