Over the course of his career, architect James Aaron Jessup developed a unique niche in the building industry – designing floating homes (houseboats). Many of these homes, built in the 1970s and 1980s, can be found on the shores of Lake Union and Portage Bay in Seattle.

Born on March 1, 1938 in Wenatchee, Jessup moved to Walla Walla at a young age and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1956. Already involved in the ROTC Program while in high school, upon graduation he spent two years of active duty with the Naval Reserves.

Upon being discharged, in 1959 he married, Pamela Ruth Felthouse. Friends in high school, they both became students at Washington State University in Pullman. By 1963, Jessup had transferred to the University of Washington and enrolled in the architecture program, but it is unclear if he received his formal degree.

However, by 1964 Jessup had opened his own firm, which was based from his home, a houseboat on Lake Union. Soon Jessup became the local expert on floating homes. Many were featured in the local newspaper for their cutting-edge design, and others were up for recognition in the Seattle Times / AIA home-of-Month Program. Notable designs included Jessup’s own home (3123 Fairview Ave E, ST/AIA Home-of-the-Month – Dec 1973); the Stand & Carol Clark Houseboat (2727 Fairview Ave E. #12, ST/AIA Home-of-the-Month – Dec 1975); the Glen Mounger floating home (2031 Fairview Ave E. – 1973); 2017 Fairview Ave E #N; 2219 Fairview Ave E #2 (1974); 2235 Fairview Ave E. #10; 2235 Fairview Ave E. #4; 2235 Fairview Ave E. #16 (1975); 2822 Boyer Ave #1 (1976); and the Grant floating home (1215 E Allison, Slip B, 1981, Portage Bay).

Jessup’s floating homes often captured a “woodsy spirit and economy of space,” utilizing cathedral ceilings, skylights, cedar walls, shed roofs, and multi-level spaces.

Perhaps his most famous design was the Caner-Edwards floating home (2448 Lakeview), a 1992 remodel which was featured in the romantic comedy, “Sleepless in Seattle.”

In 1969 Jessup promoted his draftsman, Roger H. Newell, to full partner and the firm was renamed – Jessup & Newell. However, the partnership only lasted until 1971 and the two continued as independent firms.

On land Jessup’s deigns were often geometric in nature and where mainly residential designs. Projects included a builder spec home for Scott Corey (1979); the Dean Kirkland House in Maple Valley (1979, 25117 215^th Pl SE, Maple Valley); the Pentilla House on Bainbridge Island (1977); the Nichols-Baker House on Decatur Island (1984); and townhomes at 916 & 918 34^th Ave in Seattle (1992). Non-residential projects included an automobile showroom and service building for Triumph Continental Motors (1969); Burien Auto Sales Inc. (1970); and Treck PhotoGraphic Inc. in Tukwilia (1970).

Jessup enjoyed vintage racecars and driving in his “Merc outboard Special.” Retired, he still lives in Seattle on a houseboat he designed.

– Michael C Houser