A 1937 graduate of the University of Washington Architecture program, John Rohrer joined the Architecture faculty in 1948 and enjoyed a 36-year teaching career. John Rohrer designed this small, yet clever house for himself and his wife, Ruth, another graduate of the Architecture program.

The residence, completed in 1949, was an early exploration of Northwest Regional Modernism and its characteristics quickly became typical of the style of the mid-twentieth century. The house responds directly to the unique topography where the only buildable area rises a full story above the street; and, it cleverly incorporates the yard as an extension of the public spaces to make this small house seem larger. The house has belonged to the same family since it was built and remains completely intact.