Architect behind local landmarks subject of historical program
One of the region’s most renowned architects is the subject of a program on Tuesday (April 26) presented by his great-granddaughter.
Ambrose Russell designed the 1908 Governor’s Mansion in Olympia and the original Rust Mansion and other prominent homes in Tacoma.
Janet Spingath, Russell’s great-granddaughter, will speak about his career and share a collection of his writings on local projects.
Russell also designed the partially completed Sunrise Lodge at Mount Rainier. In Tacoma he designed the Immanuel Presbyterian Church, the Tacoma Armory, the Perkins Building and the Masonic Temple (now the Landmark Convention Center,)
Not all of his designs survive. The original Tacoma County and Golf Club was destroyed by fire and the 1916 Lake City Elementary School was recently demolished.
Russell was born in India in 1857 to missionary parents and studied architecture at the University of Glasgow.
The 7 p.m. program will take place at St. Mary’s Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, in Lakewood.
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541, @crsailor
This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Architect behind local landmarks subject of historical program."