170 Prospect St: Brace-Moriarty Residence
Lumberman John Stuart Brace (1861-1918) started his lumber business in Spokane in 1878 and moved to Seattle 10 years later with his family to work with his father in the mill industry. In 1890 he married Katherine Frankland Brace (1861-1924) and they had three girls and two boys.
In 1892 Brace served on the city council and three years later he became Superintendent for Western Mills. By 1899 the Brace & Hergert Mill Company was successfully operating at the intersection of Valley St and Terry Ave in South Lake Union, now a part of Lake Union Park.
In 1904 Brace commissioned a home to be designed by the Kerr and Rogers partnership. The home was built from old growth trees by his lumber company. As President of the Lake Washington Canal Association, Brace met with government officials and committees of businessmen, and directed the educational campaign in favor of the canal. In 1918 John Stuart Brace died in his home after a 3-month illness.
“A very patriotic, high type of citizen was Mr. Brace. I know of no man with whom I have come in contact within recent years that impressed me as being so broad, unselfish and fair-minded, nor one in whom more confidence could be placed. He was a splendid friend. Not alone for his work… but in many other ways was he a friend of the community. It is doubtful if the full measure of the community’s debt to him will ever be fully known.” Lawrence J. Colman
After Brace’s death, the family rented the home to the French Consulate.
In December of 1980 the home was designated a City of Seattle Landmark under the ownership of James Moriarty, because of its prominent location, unique style, and contribution to the neighborhood.
Originally built as one of the first mission style homes in Seattle, today it still sits on a double corner lot on the south slope of Queen Anne. Seven arched openings create a recessed porch that reflects the influence of architect Louis H. Sullivan. With four floors of living spaces that frame city and sound views, the home has a parlor, library, media room, wine cellar, nanny quarters and 6 distinctive fireplaces.