Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 2531 30th AVE / Parcel ID 0003600072 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name: Style: Modern Neighborhood: North Rainier Valley Built By: Year Built: 1952   Significance Built in 1952, this building was owned and occupied by Michael A. Prontera through 1968. 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. 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 1952, this low, Ranch style, single-family dwelling stands on a rectangular lot. The building is oriented to Thirtieth Avenue South on a flat site below street level. This 1211 square foot, single-story house with a partial daylight basement features a rectangular plan, measuring approximately 25’ by 37’, with a front stoop. A poured concrete foundation supports the wood frame, brick- and clapboard-clad superstructure. Asphalt composition roofing covers the hip roof. Broad overhanging closed eaves with minimal trim define the roofline. Metal sash windows provide day lighting. A short flight of stairs leads to the recessed front stoop. A brick chimney services the building. This building is a good example of 1950s infill within the Mount Baker neighborhood.

Detail for 2531 30th AVE / Parcel ID 0003600072 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured 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 Unit Theme(s): Integrity Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Plan: Intact 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 2531 30th AVE / Parcel ID 0003600072 / Inv #

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