This building holds significance in African American history due to its connection with Lucy Breckenridge. She was among the first citizens to arrive in Washington in 1888 before it became a state. Living on the premises, she gained distinction as the city's first Black woman property owner. The Washington State Genealogical Society recognized her as one of the state's First Citizens in 1989.

 

Lucy Breckenridge, born c. 1855 to Virginia natives Henry Reed and M. Boones, emerged from a background of slavery. Despite laws against educating slaves, Lucy learned to read and write as an adult at the age of 64, creating a diary detailing her life in Spokane.