Merrill, R. D., House
historic place
The R.D. Merrill House, located in Seattle, Washington, is a significant historic place. It was erected around 1913. This residence was designed by Charles A. Platt, a prominent New York architect. The Merrill House is one of only two Seattle homes Platt designed. He was known for harmoniously integrating his buildings with their surroundings. R.D. Merrill was a leading figure in the Pacific Northwest lumber industry. He became president of Merrill and Ring Lumber Company in Seattle, a position he held until 1947. The house also contributed to the community's educational life. It hosted recitals for the Cornish School. Furthermore, the Merrill House is linked to the founding of St. Nicholas School, now Lakeside Middle School. School sessions for the Merrill children and neighbors were held in the family library, and R.D. Merrill helped the school gain legal status. This site matters historically for its architectural design and its role in Seattle's early educational development.