Wendell, Washington, is a charming little town located near Seattle. The area is home to many historic buildings. The earliest settlement in the region was in 1851. Today, Wendell is a bustling center for the arts and entertainment. There are more than 50 local theaters and restaurants. During the winter, the city offers outdoor skating and ice skating. There is also a small art community.
Several historic properties in Wendell were surveyed in 1988-1991 as part of an overall survey of Wake County. Other significant sites were surveyed in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2005-2006, Wake County hired Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. to perform an architectural survey update. The new survey included additional resources and context for the 1942-1960 period. The survey's findings will be presented at public meetings.
The city's houses are generally modest. The houses that are built there are usually one-and-a-half stories with board-and-batten sheathing and asbestos shingles. Windows are often double-hung, with a clerestory above them. Several homes with a traditional look include three-story bricks and a large stone chimney. Some have small front porches.