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Mattson House on the Bend at North Stevens Razed

· Posted Monday May 15, 2006 by jamie

Received an email tip that one of the houses that sits just after the sweeping North Stevens to North 46th bend is no more. The former structure at 4605 North Verde, a 1925 home termed by the library’s building index as English lodge style, clocked in at 4,389 square feet, and was purchased by the current property owners in 2005 for a cool $1.5 million. It had 6 bedrooms, 4.25 bathrooms, .77 acres, and was assessed at $1,428,700. We’re talking quite the impressive house…

Odd thing for me is, we biked past the site yesterday on the way out to Point Defiance, and I didn’t even notice it was gone. Looking back, I do remember the view around the corner seeming a little bit more sweeping than usual, and actually wondered why I’d never noticed how well the Asarco site could be seen from that vista. I’ve admired that house many times, so it is strange to me that it didn’t even register. But I guess I know why the view seemed different now…

My tipster did a bit more looking, and it turns out that public records show the new owners as Eric & Marsha Russell. And apparently an Eric Russell, who may or may not be the same individual, is president of Frank Russell Investments.

Edit 5/17: Apparently Mr. Russell is no longer with Russell Investment Group, and hasn’t been since 2000. He was at one time Chairman and CEO of IDMicro, but doesn’t appear to be there anymore, either. Just to set the record straight.

Now, I know that our community owes a lot to the Russell family and companies, both in terms of the local economy and philanthropic giving, but it just sucks to see a beautiful house such as this one come down (especially one that is not lacking for square footage). Hopefully the Russells at least see fit to put in something that fits with the surrounding architecture and landscape, and we don’t end up with a McMansion smack dab in the middle of one of the best views in the city…


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  1. I happen to know Eric Russell, he goes to my church, Newsong City Central, and the house was torn down because it was falling apart. And yes, he is the eric of Frank Russell Investments.

    — Josh    May 16, 09:49 AM    #

  2. Thanks for the inside scoop, Josh. I certainly have no firsthand knowledge of the condition of the house, so we will have to take the Russells at their word on this.

    I do know that old houses can quickly turn into money-pits, so despite my leanings towards historic preservation, I understand that sometimes the choice needs to be made to cut one’s losses, tear down, and start over. I just hate to see it happen. If it was that bad, I’m really sorry to hear that it had been let go over the years previous to the Russells’ purchase.

    Anyway, can’t do anything either way about it now. Here’s hoping that the Russells make good choices in replacing the home.

    — jamie    May 16, 10:13 AM    #

  3. I feel the same way about the historic preservation. I don’t know their future plans but I do know they’re amazing people and I wouldn’t be surprised if their next house is agreeable to the architecture and landscape of the area. By the way, Love your site.

    — Josh    May 16, 12:00 PM    #

  4. Hey all, I’m the real estate reporter at the TNT and am doing a story on this home, or what’s left of it.

    Did the neighborhood have any idea that the house was about to go?

    Barbara

    — barbara    May 17, 10:18 AM    #

  5. Barbara, I’d be interested to know that as well…unfortunately my information is already second-hand. Apparently some trees came down the week before, but that could have meant anything.

    Anyone know if there was any warning on this?

    — jamie    May 17, 10:41 AM    #

  6. this is old news, but I grew up in the Mattson Home during the 60’s and 70’s. I have my memories of this wonderful home and was very upset to see the wrecking ball take her done. Mr. Russell has the right to do whatever he pleases with the property, but I wish that the Jackson’s had sold the house to someone who would have preserved her and respected her history. He has enough $$ to do as he pleases and he has destroyed a perfectly beautiful historical home. The home was in perfect condition and was not is disrepair!

    — Barb    Jun 14, 09:27 AM    #