Frederick Heath

Frederick Heath was one of Tacoma's most prominent architects and designed many public buildings in the city and across the country. Heath also has a particular association with the Metropolitan Park District, and served on the Board of Park Commissioners between 1908 and 1918, when the new park district was taking its first steps after its formation in 1907.

Frederick Henry Heath was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1861. He was first employed in the printer's trade, but after a few years took up architecture in Minneapolis in the office of Warren H. Hays. Heath moved to Tacoma in 1893 and by 1901 had established a business here. He was the senior partner in the firm that eventually was known has Heath, Gove & Bell.

In 1902 the Tacoma Board of Education appointed Heath to the position of school architect. He was responsible for redesigning the luxurious hotel that suffered a disastrous fire in 1898, turning it into Stadium High School in 1906. He also designed the bowl next to the high school and is often referred to as the "Father of the Stadium".

Heath designed the Nereides Baths, which stood in Point Defiance Park between 1906 and 1931. This eclectic building was constructed of logs and somewhat resembled a Swiss chalet. It was Tacoma's first indoor swimming pool and a great attraction in the park at the time. Heath served as president of the park board from 1911 until 1916. It was under his leadership that the firm of Hare and Hare was hired in 1911 to make a master plan of Point Defiance Park. This plan guided park development through the 1930s and is credited with suggesting that the streetcar station, built in 1914, be constructed in the Japanese or "Pagoda" style.

Heath's architectural firm was responsible for over 600 projects in the Northwest and in Tacoma. Heath's churches in Tacoma include St. Patrick's, First Church of Christian Scientist, First Lutheran and First Baptist. His stores include the old Rhodes and Bon Marche department stores on Broadway.

Heath died in March, 1953, just a month shy of his 92nd birthday. He continued his architectural career right up until 2 weeks before his death. Imagine the changes and growth that Heath witnessed in Tacoma over 60 years. Also just think of the park and civic developments that he was personally responsible for!

Last Updated: Sep 18, 2006 10:44 AM