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Lacey council adds 1859 Jacob Smith House to local register of historic places
Summary
The council unanimously approved adding the Jacob Smith House — the city’s oldest building — to the Lacey Register of Historic Places after a Historical Commission recommendation and staff briefing on the property's history and integrity.
The Lacey City Council voted unanimously on May 19 to add the Jacob Smith House, built in 1859, to the Lacey Register of Historic Places.
Museum and historical commission staff presented the nomination and described the house’s significance as one of the city’s oldest surviving pioneer homesteads with Greek Revival elements. Staff said the property met multiple criteria under the Lacey Municipal Code's historic‑property process and that owner consent was on file.
Erin Quinn Vouchel (museum curator) summarized the nomination’s documentation, including consultant research, historic photographs and an owner‑signed statement of consent. The council thanked staff for filing the record and moved and seconded the nomination; the motion carried unanimously.
The city noted the house has undergone alterations over time — including rear additions and a reconstructed water tower — but staff said the restoration work preserves the property’s character‑defining features and its local significance. Council members and commissioners in attendance welcomed finalizing the register listing and invited the public to a reception in the community room.
The council’s action formally recognizes the Jacob Smith House and ensures future review under the city’s historic‑property process.
