Gracemont Alumni Hall Earns Recognition for Outstanding Stewardship

“Gracemont Alumni Hall not only anchors Bush’s Upper School campus, but our students and alumni to the school’s history,” said Head of School, Dr. Percy L. Abram. “With over 100 years of use and memories as a home, boarding house, and academic building on campus, Gracemont connects our past to our future. It was a pleasure to work with Rafn on this project. Their knowledge of and experience with historic restorations helped to enhance Gracemont’s natural beauty and create a safer, more accessible learning environment for students. I am grateful for Historic Seattle’s recognition of Bush’s commitment to restoring this beloved, iconic building and Rafn’s expertise in implementing our vision to transform Gracemont into a dynamic learning environment for the future.”

Thanks to Rafn Company’s hard work and craftsmanship, the antique mansion was modernized with energy-efficient plumbing, electrical, and mechanical features, which enhanced the safety and stability of the foundation. Gracemont Alumni Hall’s exterior was also restored; its elegant woodwork, exterior masonry, plastered ceilings, and walls were all renewed and polished by the Rafn construction team.

Gracemont reopened last academic year on Tuesday, January 2, coinciding with the start of classes in the Upper School for the spring semester. The oldest building on campus, Gracemont, received substantial renovations to enhance accessibility, improve learning spaces, and provide seismic upgrades and structural reinforcement.  Gracemont, the carriage house (now Wissner), and its grounds were graciously given to founder Helen Taylor Bush at a low price by the Heffernan family in 1944.

Thanks to all those who sponsored and oversaw the rewarding project, Gracemont Alumni Hall is now beautifully preserved for students, faculty, and alums. Restoring life to this celebrated piece of history represents how Bush continues to cultivate and support its community.