Seattle.gov Home Page
Link to Seattle Department of Neighborhoods home page

Seattle Historical Sites

New Search

Summary for 4029 RAINIER AVE / Parcel ID 1604602235 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name:
Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: North Rainier Valley
Built By: Year Built: 1908
 
Significance
The North Rainier Valley consists of a depression created by glaciation between the ridges of Beacon Hill and Mount Baker. The valley derives its name from Mount Rainier because of stunning views of the mountain. The area’s growth followed the early streetcar line, which was completed to Columbia City in 1890. The North Rainier Valley includes the area north of Columbia City and contained many early vegetable farms. Commercial development followed along the streetcar line, with housing built nearby. During the first decades of the 20th century, the area between Massachusetts and Atlantic Streets was home to Seattle’s largest Italian enclave, “Garlic Gulch.” Dugdale Ball Park opened on the corner of Rainier Avenue and McClellan Street in 1913, and was succeeded by Sick’s Stadium in 1938. World War II precipitated a surge in housing development, including the public housing project, Rainier Vista, in 1943. Following the war, the area attracted a mix of African-Americans, Asians, and Filipinos. Today this diverse, low-to-middle income neighborhood is unique within Seattle with its long narrow form focused on the Rainier Avenue transportation corridor.
 
Appearance
Built in 1908, this substantial, Colonial Revival-influenced, Victorian era, single-family dwelling is oriented to Rainier Avenue South on a steeply sloped site 6’ above street level. This 1652 square foot, one-and-a-half story house with a full daylight basement features a rectangular plan, measuring approximately 50’ by 32’, with two recessed corner porches. A poured concrete foundation supports the wood frame, clapboard-clad superstructure. Asphalt composition roofing covers the hip roof and recently stuccoed dormers. Broad, closed eaves with decoratively cut modillions and a prominent fascia define the roofline. Altered windows provide day lighting. A canted corner window features a decorative window head. A flight of stairs leads to the corner porch. Classically-influenced columns support the prominent fascia of the extended roofline. A concrete retaining wall extends along the sidewalk. Its unique form and eave detailing set this building apart as an important stylistic example within the North Rainier Valley neighborhood.

Detail for 4029 RAINIER AVE / Parcel ID 1604602235 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Unknown
Roof Type(s): Hip Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition
Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Rectangular
Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one & ½
Unit Theme(s):
Integrity
Changes to Original Cladding: Slight
Changes to Plan: Intact
Changes to Windows: Extensive
Major Bibliographic References
City of Seattle DCLU Microfilm Records.
King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.
Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996.
City of Seattle. Survey of City-Owned Historic Resources. Prepared by Cathy Wickwire, Seattle, 2001. Forms for Ravenna Park structures.
Tobin, Caroline. (2004) "North Rainier Valley Historic Context Statement."

Photo collection for 4029 RAINIER AVE / Parcel ID 1604602235 / Inv #


Photo taken Nov 14, 2003

Photo taken Nov 14, 2003

Photo taken Nov 14, 2003
App v2.0.1.0