Matzen, George and Irene, House
historic place
The George and Irene Matzen House, a historic place in Seattle, Washington's King County, was constructed between 1910 and 1911. The house was designed in 1909 by the architectural firm of Willatsen and Byrne. This residence exemplifies the Prairie School style, adapted for Seattle's hilly landscape. Its design features a hip roof, deeply overhanging eaves, stucco cladding, and strong horizontal lines, emphasized by bands of windows. George Matzen, president of Matzen Manufacturing Company, and his wife Irene, resided here from its completion until the 1930s. Architects Andrew Willatsen and Francis Barry Byrne were former apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright. After leaving Wright's studio, they formed their partnership in Seattle around 1909, designing over 50 buildings in the area. The Matzen House is recognized for its carefully restored interiors, considered among the finest work by Willatsen and Byrne. In 2019, the George and Irene Matzen House was nominated to the State and National Registers of Historic Places, becoming the fourth Queen Anne building to receive this recognition. This site is significant for its distinctive architectural style and its connection to its original owners and architects.