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The mysterious case of the missing Iliad Apartments lion of Bellevue Ave

A landmark of Bellevue Ave has gone missing — and when a giant Homeric white lion goes missing, people notice.

We have some good news about the Iliad lion. The lion shall return.


“We were going to take it off,” Iliad manager Mike told CHS. “We were just going to get rid of it. I convinced the owner to restore the sign.”

Mike tells us he sent out a survey to residents. “What do you think about the lion?” it asked. Like the rest of the Hill, some thought it looked old, tired and shabby. Everybody else loved it so. Mike said he made the case to restore it despite high costs. People don’t make signs like the Iliad lion these days, Mike said.

According to the Iliad manager, the building’s owner commissioned an artist to create the lion sign years ago. It had since begun to rot and was falling to pieces. The lion lost an ear in a past windstorm — “I saved the ear,” Mike says — and was on its last legs as a building overhaul approached. It looked like the lion might have to go.

“Nah, you can’t do that,” Mike said. “Everybody loves the lion.”

We’re told the lion is now in good hands and undergoing rehab. Mike says the restored lion should return to his proper space above Bellevue Ave in a few weeks.

Thanks to neighbor Lauren for the tip.

The Iliad, originally uploaded by JTContinental.
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Ryan in the sky
Ryan in the sky
12 years ago

I feel pretty dumb for not noticing it was gone. Having it all cleaned up will be pretty nice.

amy
amy
12 years ago

I love that thing. Glad to hear it’ll be restored.

Cdub
Cdub
12 years ago

Glad it’s coming back! I love that lion!

blancheatthedubois
blancheatthedubois
12 years ago

to the owners for the restoration work – and maintaining Capitol Hill’s historic texture!

Swift Albero
Swift Albero
12 years ago

I LOVE the lion!! It’s GRRRREAT!

Jim98122x
Jim98122x
12 years ago

I feel even dumber for never even having noticed it at all. But I will from now on. :-)

Stephanie Medearis
Stephanie Medearis
12 years ago

Many moons ago, my guy and I used to live in the Iliad. Love it there! Mike and Fran, if you’re still there…we send our best regards! We used to live next door to you on the 4th floor.

Dod
Dod
12 years ago

Thanks to the owners for restoring the lion. It’s little gem on the hill.

arcanepsyche
12 years ago

I look at that thing every day when walking to the 8 on Bellevue towards Denny. How I didn’t notice it was gone is beyond me, but I’m really glad to hear it’s getting restored. I’ve known LOTS of people who live there or lived here.

tammy
tammy
12 years ago

This makes me so happy! Little landmarks like the lion are important to keep, as it helps the city and the neighborhood retain it’s character…so happy they are spending the money to restore it!

mik
mik
12 years ago

glad to hear it is coming back. it has been a longtime favorite of mine, but i didn’t even notice it missing, myself. a few days ago, my 6yo daughter asked from the back seat, ‘where is the white cat?’ she will be happy to know he is returning.

Todd
Todd
12 years ago

I live across the street, the lion nicely framed by my window. When I moved in I hated the shabby thing, but soon I loved it. With a bit of repair and a fresh coat, I’m sure he’ll be his grand retro self again, and my home will have a new piece of artwork.

Bryn
Bryn
12 years ago

I used to live on Summit and Thomas and was SO SAD to see the lion was gone. He SO reminds me of Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. I googled “Seattle Iliad Lion” intending to see if he’d been put in an architectural salvage store so we could go buy him.

TARA
TARA
12 years ago

The restored lion looks beautiful; sometimes you never know how you feel about something till it’s gone.