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About the Renovation

The ASUW Shell House stands as a testament to the University of Washington’s enduring spirit of community, achievement and belonging. Rooted in a rich history of gathering and purpose, this iconic space has long brought students, athletes and our broader community together. The UW is embarking on a renovation of the ASUW Shell House to ensure its structural integrity and modernize its facilities. With your support, we will ensure that our campus and community can unite on the water’s edge, honor our shared legacy and launch a bold future, together.

Timeline & Next Steps

A feasibility study is completed, a Seattle Landmarks application is submitted, and the initial Case for Support is developed to guide early fundraising and visioning.
The site receives official Seattle Landmarks designation — the UW’s first. An advisory board forms to help guide the project and fundraising efforts begin.
The project secures $2 million in private and county funding, marking a major early fundraising milestone.
An additional $100,000 is awarded by the State of Washington to support this project.
MGM and George Clooney announce their commitment to the Boys in the Boat film, sparking national interest and renewed fundraising energy.
Filming for the movie begins in the spring and a lead donor commits, resulting in additional funding — a $5 million private gift plus a $2 million corporate gift.
Fundraising continues and culminates in the public launch of the Pull Together campaign, raising over $19 million from more than 5,000 donors. The Boys in the Boat film premiers in theaters.
The design-build team of Mithun and Sellen is selected. A campaign celebration is held at the Windermere Cup. Ralph Applebaum & Associates is hired for the exhibit design in partnership with Mithun, and a series of exhibit listening sessions is conducted.
Final design and shoreline and construction permits are submitted for review by the Seattle Landmarks and the National Parks Service.
A fall groundbreaking event is planned for Sept. 17 with construction planned to begin Sept. 29.
Construction is projected to be completed in winter 2026.

Background

Located just feet from the northwest edge of the Montlake cut, the Shell House spans approximately 12,000 square feet. Its open, hangar-site layout will allow for flexible use, including seating for up to 250 people. This renovation aims to preserve the building’s historic integrity while adapting it for modern use — making it an ideal space for events, programs and community gatherings. It will truly be the “front dock” to the UW campus — greeting students and welcoming the public to experience our rich and complex waterfront history.

 

The Boys in the Boat

The bestselling book by Daniel James Brown is now a motion picture adaption about to be released. Learn more about the Boys of ’36.

History

The location has been known as “Carry a Canoe” in Lushootseed, stəx̌ʷugʷit (stukh-ug-weelth) for 8,000 years by the Lake Washington People, a natural portage that was used by families and tribes. This location is identified in the Waterlines Project Map documented by the Burke Museum. The past and present will merge and overlap as the original waterlines are marked in landscape design and canoe journey culture will be taught and celebrated within.

In the final weeks of World War I, the U.S. Navy built a seaplane hangar here. Today, it remains one of only two such wooden hangars still standing. Following the war, the building was dubbed the Associated Students of UW (ASUW) Shell House and took on a new life as a hub for UW rowing.

For decades, the Shell House was home to the UW’s renowned crew teams and the workshop of legendary boatmaker George Pocock. Within these walls, Pocock crafted racing shells that carried UW Rowing through eight national championship wins and the team that was featured in the bestselling book The Boys in the Boat, who captured Olympic gold in 1936.

Today, the ASUW Shell House has been recognized on the National Register for Historic Places (1975) and as a Seattle Landmark (2018). It continues to sit atop a culturally significant site — a place of gathering and movement for generations past, present and future.

Learn more about the history of the Shell House

“By revitalizing this iconic space, we’re creating a hub where community, creativity and camaraderie will flourish. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and our belief that every student’s potential can be unlocked within these walls.”

Denzil Suite
UW Vice President for Student Life

Launching Towards the Future

With its renovation, the ASUW Shell House will become a vibrant center once more — a place for celebration, reflection and connection between the university and the broader community. This transformation will breathe new life into the building’s historic role as a hub of innovation and belonging, launching it into its next chapter.

Budget

The total project budget for the ASUW Shell House renovation is $22.5 million, with funding supported by more than 4,500 people and organizations. This campaign is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.

Renovation Updates

Explore the latest updates, milestones and behind-the-scenes moments as we restore this iconic landmark on the Montlake Cut.

View Updates

Support Us

Help preserve a historic campus landmark. Your support brings us closer to revitalizing the Shell House for future generations to gather, learn and connect.

Give Now


The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish people of the lands and waters where the ASUW Shell House rests — land that touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.