Victor Roeder Home, Bellingham

The Victor Roeder Home stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of Bellingham. Built by Victor Roeder, the son of Bellingham's founder, Captain Henry Roeder, the home is a symbol of Victorian-era elegance and opulence. Constructed between 1903 and 1908 in the then-undeveloped Broadway Park area, the Roeder Home is renowned as one of the finest residences in Whatcom County, earning a place on both the Local and National Historic Registries.

Victor Roeder spared no expense in the construction of his family home, meticulously supervising every detail of its design and execution. The exterior of the first floor features brick, while the upper levels are adorned with stucco. Chuckanut sandstone, sourced from the family quarry, embellishes the front and rear entrances. Inside, imported oak is used for the floors, stairways, banisters, and wainscoted walls, showcasing Roeder's commitment to using only the finest materials available.

Designed by architect Alfred Lee, the Roeder Home exhibits a unique blend of architectural styles, combining elements of Bracketed Gothic and American Stick Style. Elaborate brackets adorn the projecting eaves, a hallmark of the Stick Style, while the gabled roof features gothic overtones. The home incorporates progressive features such as a central vacuum pump, an internal fire hose system, and a fuel elevator, reflecting Roeder's forward-thinking approach to modern living.

In 1969, Dr. Donald Keyes, who purchased the house from the Roeder family in 1945, dedicated the home to the Whatcom County Parks Department. Today, the Roeder Home remains open to the public, offering educational programs and serving as a window into Bellingham's storied past. With the addition of a wheelchair lift in 1997 to ensure accessibility in compliance with the American Disability Act, the Roeder Home continues to welcome visitors from near and far, inviting them to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era.