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On Saturday, April 25th, Historic Wallingford will host the Wally-Home Resource Fair at the landmarked Wallingford Center, 1815 N 45th Street. Starting at 10 am and continuing until 3:30 pm, the fair connects neighbors with trusted local businesses and experts in supporting the homes and stories that define Wallingford. The goal is to offer resources to those who love their vintage homes, offering information about how to be good stewards of these cherished places and this community. Additionally, in response to the growing demand for housing, this event offers resources on how to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) while preserving the original home. 

The 2026 fair is shaping up to be bigger and better than last year—and it is free to attend. Check out the full list of participating vendors and experts on the Historic Wallingford website.

What to find at the Wally-Home Resource Fair 2026:

• 10 am–3:30 pm: Vendors and Ask an Expert
  • Bring your questions and look for inspiration from twenty-one different vendors spread over the main and lower levels.
  • Ask an Expert (lower level):
    • Staff from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) will answer questions about permitting and construction projects.
    • Staff from the Seattle Department of Housing will provide information on affordable home repair and weatherization.
    • Earthwise Architectural Salvage has been buying and selling a wide array of period-appropriate architectural materials since 1991. If you have a treasure to sell, they will be on hand to ask about an appraisal. Photos will be helpful.
    • Denise Malm from Wallingford Community Senior Center will provide connections to resources for seniors to age in place.
    • At 12:45 pm, Sarah Martin of SJM Cultural Resource Services can share information about researching the history of your home.

Check out both levels for the full fair experience!

• 11:00 am: Guided walking tour led by historians Sarah J. Martin and Thomas Veith. The tour will last 1-1.5 hours, and will be conducted rain or shine. Registration is required, and space is limited. If you miss this tour, Historic Wallingford plans to offer similar guided walks monthly this summer—information about the Exploring Wallingford Together guided walking series will be coming soon to the Historic Wallingford website.

• 12:30 pm: 2026 Legacy Award Presentation. Join the party as Historic Wallingford recognizes Swanson’s Shoe Repair with the 2026 Legacy Award. This family-owned business has served Wallingford for 76 years and Seattle for 98 years, with the fourth generation of the Swanson family, Daniel D. Swanson, now at the helm. Artist Melinda Hannah is preparing a watercolor to commemorate this event. Read more about Swanson’s in this 2010 Wallyhood post.

Daniel D. Swanson, current owner of Swanson’s Shoe Repair

Local artist Melinda Hannah

• 12:45–3:30 pm: Snapshot Wallingford (lower level). Bring your old photos and other neighborhood memorabilia for digitization onsite at the fair. Add to our digital archives and preserve your family history by allowing us to scan or photograph your collection. Learn more at Snapshot Wallingford. Sarah Martin of SJM Cultural Resource Services will facilitate this project at her vendor table on the lower level.
• Presentations (main level at Aditi Studio South). All presenters will have a vendor table for additional opportunities to ask questions.
  • 12:45–1:15 pm: Tod Sakai of Sky DADU
  • 1:30–2:00 pm: Juliana Bertucci of The Nonesuch, House-Inspired Gardens
  • 2:15–2:45 pm: Neil Kappen of Ballard Natural Gas Service, Upgrade Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Systems
  • 3–3:30 pm: J A S Design Build, Historic Craftsman Experts
• 2–3 pm: The Wallingford Indigenous Resource Project will be introduced at the fair. This project is partially funded by 4Culture and led by Historic Wallingford. Research lead for the project, Dr. Alexandra Meany, will be available near the Historic Wallingford booth to answer questions, and additional information will be available. Dr. Meany shares her interest in the Wallingford Indigenous Resource Project: “I’m looking forward to contributing to a project that centers Indigenous presence across time in land now called Wallingford and helps make visible the ongoing relationships to land, water, and community that shape both its histories and futures.”

Indigenous People’s Research Project Lead, Dr. Alexandra Meany

Thank you to the sponsors! It indeed takes a village to put together a significant neighborhood event. Let us thank those who have supported this event financially and with services: 4Culture, Wallingford Center, Aditi Yoga|Wellness Studio, Yazdi, Bedrooms & More, J A S Design Build, Luna Kitchen and Bath, Aire Serv of North-Central Seattle, Dunn Lumber, and Tyson Baty Real Estate.

Thank you also to the many volunteers participating on April 25th: Vanessa Chin, project manager; Linda Sewell, designer; planning team: Francisco Barros and Sherine Jefferson from Key Bank, Ron Waldman, Larry and Rhonda Bush, Tyson Baty, and Jori Bercier; and the Historic Wallingford board of directors. We are grateful to historians Sarah Martin and Tom Veith for conducting guided tours. Thank you to Kim Knightingale and Patti Gray Whann, whose work in developing this event in 2025 provided the roadmap for future Wally-Home Resource Fairs.

If you have access needs, an elevator is available on the ground floor near Chutneys Bistro at the southwest entrance to the building. Please reach out by email with any questions.