Preserving a piece of Seattle’s living history

Founded in 2025, the SYC Historic Preservation Foundation or SYCHPF safeguards the maritime heritage of the Seattle Yacht Club for future generations.

About the Foundation

Some buildings don’t just hold history. They carry it forward.

The Portage Bay campus has stood as a symbol of maritime tradition and community for generations. Designed by Past Commodore John Graham Sr. and completed in 1920, the SYC Mainstation has been the heart of Pacific Northwest boating life and a gathering place for the boating community ever since. Today, the Historic Preservation Foundation is working to ensure this home of the boating community will be maintained and preserved for future generations. Through active restoration, thoughtful stewardship, and community support, we are protecting one of Seattle’s most storied landmarks for the mariners, stories, and traditions still to come.

Join a Tour

We are proud to display the history of our building. The Mainstation is open for public tours the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. To register please call or email info@SYCfoundation.org.

The First Renovation

Mainstation Expansion

In 1963 John “Jack” Graham, Jr. completed the design of first major remodel that created the Ward Room formal dining room, a larger Marine Room casual restaurant and deck, and offices below. Now, SYCHPF endeavors to preserve and maintain and restore what was built in the past.

Every gift goes directly to maintenance, preservation, and restoration

Major funding is required to ensure that these historic properties are preserved for future generations. Their ongoing restoration and preservation will be made possible by the SYC Historic Preservation Foundation through your generous support.

Grant Process

Historic structures don’t decline all at once. They fade gradually, through deferred maintenance, aging materials, and the quiet passage of time. Appreciation for what a place means is not enough to keep it standing. The SYC Historic Preservation Foundation exists to help fund needed maintenance to preservation the beautiful historic building. To apply for a grant from SYCHPF, email info@sychpf.org.