Washington Hall is a historic, community space and performance hall that is home to 206 Zulu, Hidmo and Voices Rising.
Built in 1908 by the Danish Brotherhood, Washington Hall has anchored Seattle’s diverse Squire Park neighborhood in the Central District for over 115 years. The building has served as a hub for social and cultural activities for a broad ethnic community. In 1973, the Sons of Haiti, an African-American Masonic Lodge, purchased the building and continued the tradition of hosting performing arts, making it the first home of On the Boards. Historic Seattle acquired Washington Hall in 2009, saving it from demolition. The renovation of Washington Hall is a Historic Seattle community development project that will help revitalize the neighborhood and makes the building available for public use.
Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Morris, Pat Graney, Bill T. Jones, David Byrne, Fugazi, Elvis Costello, Macklemore, and countless musicians, artists and great minds alike have walked these halls.
In 1908, the Danish brotherhood opened the doors of a spare yet proud brick faced building in Seattle’s Central District and named it Washington Hall. Their hope was to provide boarding facilities to newly arrived Danish immigrants yet they also declared the building a dance hall and performing arts venue for all and opened the doors of the Hall to the whole community.
Date Built: 1908
Original Architect/Builder: Victor Voorhees (architect)/Hans Pederson (builder); Andrew Willatsen (architect for 1918 alterations)
Original Owner: Danish Brotherhood in America, Seattle Lodge #29
Description: Early 20th century fraternal lodge and dance hall. Eclectic architectural style with Mission Revival elements.
Built in 1908, the Danish Brotherhood in America commissioned the construction of Washington Hall to house the needs of its growing fraternal organization. The building, designed by prolific Seattle architect Victor Voorhees, has served as a fraternal lodge, settlement house and center for social and cultural activities of Seattle’s Danish immigrant population and many other ethnic groups.
From the start, the stage at Washington Hall has been in constant demand, hosting Danish and Yiddish theatrical productions in the 1910s, Filipino Youth Club dances in the 1930s, and even bo
xing matches in the 1950s. In the 1970s, the Hall became the official home to On the Boards, a non-profit arts organization that would stage contemporary works for the next 20 years. Local theater companies, like Nu Black Arts West Theatre, continue to stage original works at the Hall. Washington Hall is a place to incubate and be reborn.
Washington Hall Anchor Organizations
Washington Hall is a project of Historic Seattle with major support from 4Culture. The Hall has consistently functioned as a performance space since its opening in 1908, but had fallen into disrepair in the last few decades and was in danger of demolition before Historic Seattle negotiated a purchase.
The long term vision for the Hall is full rehabilitation and a permanent home for Central Area organizations with a focus on arts, media and social justice.
Historic Seattle
Historic Seattle believes that buildings provide an essential link to the past, reminding us of who we are and where we came from. Founded in 1974, Historic Seattle is the only nonprofit membership organization dedicated to preserving Seattle and King County’s architectural legacy. Our mission is to educate, advocate and preserve. Learn more about Historic Seattle.
206 Zulu
An internationally recognized coalition that engages youth, low-income communities and people of color in social change through innovative programs involving hip hop music, arts and culture. Learn more about 206 Zulu.
Hidmo Cypher
A network of artists, educators, and activists that nurture community and elevate the visibility of independent art, music, media and culture through all-ages programming, coalition building and leadership development. Learn more about Hidmo Cypher.
Voices Rising
An intergenerational showcase of queer performers of color that provides support for local, up and coming artists through mentorship opportunities. Learn more about Voices Rising
Washington Hall offers two, versatile event spaces available for one-time or short term rental. The Ballroom (or Main Hall) on the second floor (with balcony) is a space that is perfect for larger public events, parties, and performances. The first floor Lodge Room is suitable for classes, meetings, lectures, and rehearsals. Both spaces have an open floor plan to allow for maximum flexibility.
Performance Hall / Dan Hawkins
Ballroom
With a capacity of 735, this space is an ideal setting for public or private performances, music shows, parties, lectures, or could be used for larger music/dance classes, rehearsals or meetings. It features a stage, theater lighting system, and balcony.
Lodge Room / Photo: Dan Hawkins
Lodge Room
With a capacity of 300, this space is a charming option for smaller parties, meetings, rehearsals or dinners. The space can be rented alone, or in tandem with larger events in the Ballroom.
To inquire about renting the Washington Hall Ballroom, please email ballroom@206zulu.org. To inquire about renting the Lodge, kitchen or first floor areas, contact Hidmo Cypher at hidmocypher@gmail.com.
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