| Historic Name: |
2004 7th Avenue |
Common Name: |
2004 Westlake Avenue |
| Style: |
Beaux Arts - Neoclassical, Commercial |
Neighborhood: |
Denny Triangle |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1923 |
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| Significance |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property is located in a potential historic districe (National and/or local). |
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This building was designed by architect William R. Grant for client Carl H. Mengedoht in 1923. The central 7th Avenue entrance was slightly redesigned in 1955 by the architecture firm of McLelland and Osterman, but their design seems to have been closely based on the original configuration. The original marble veneer base may also have been replaced, but this can not be proven. In general, aside from damage done to the storefronts, which seems to be reversible, the building’s exterior appears to be virtually intact. The building facades are well-proportioned and the terra cotta detailing delicate. This is a very significant building within the Denny Triangle area.
The building’s architect, William R. Grant, also known as W. R. Grant, worked in Seattle from 1911 to 1954 and in partnership with his son from 1947 to 1954. Recent neighborhood surveys suggest that Grant was, in fact, somewhat prolific, particularly during the 1920s. For instance, in the neighboring South Lake Union area alone, Grant was responsible not only for the U. S. Naval Reserve Building with B. Marcus Priteca, but also designed several pleasingly detailed brick clad warehouses (1920s and early 1930s), particularly along Dexter Avenue North. In other parts of Seattle, William R. Grant was also responsible for Christ Episcopal Church in the University District and for the Ballard Building on Market Street in Ballard. 2004 Westlake Avenue, almost completely clad in terra cotta on it main elevations, contrasts in composition and the use of materials with many of these other works, suggesting that Grant was also a versatile designer.
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| Appearance |
| 2004 Westlake Avenue, formerly given the address, 2004 7th Avenue, is located on the northwest corner of 7th Avenue and Virginia Street, off of Westlake Avenue. It is adjacent to the Westlake Hotel, located to the west. Like many buildings in the neighborhood, it has a basement level. According to Tax Assessor records, it has a footprint which is 60 foot by 120 feett, but the footprint may be very slightly irregular. The building has a parapet and flat roof.
Both facades are divided into identical bays, with the shorter Westlake/7th Avenue façade divided into three bays and the Virginia Street façade into six bays. Except for a marble base, the three-story facades are completely clad in gleaming, white terra cotta. For these facades, the exterior structure includes continuous concrete piers, mainly clad in terra cotta, while the original interior structure had regularly spaced square, 12” x 12” wood posts, in line with the piers and the exterior bays. Each ground level bay has storefront with vertical transom lights. While most of the vertical muntins remain, the glass at the transom level is currently boarded up. At the upper levels, each window opening, which spans the entire area between the piers and well-defined spandrels, contains a series of three double-hung windows.
Major horizontal elements include the slightly projecting belt-course above the ground floor, as well as the projecting classical cornice, with dentils, above the third level. This is topped by a terra cotta clad parapet: the piers are expressed at this level, while inset, horizontal rectangles emphasize the wall areas between. Long, inset, horizontal rectangles also define the spandrels above the storefront, while a series of three smaller ornamented rectangles define the spandrels above the second floor. Other ornamental motifs include a vegetal design within a recessed square, placed at the top of the corner first floor piers and a simple shield-like shape below. |
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| Status: |
Yes - Inventory |
| Classication: |
Building |
District Status: |
INV |
| Cladding(s): |
Stone, Terra cotta, Wood |
Foundation(s): |
Concrete - Poured |
| Roof Type(s): |
Flat with Parapet |
Roof Material(s): |
Asphalt/Composition |
| Building Type: |
Commercial/Trade - Business |
Plan: |
Rectangular |
| Structural System: |
Concrete - Poured |
No. of Stories: |
three |
| Unit Theme(s): |
Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Commerce, Community Planning/Development |
| Integrity |
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Changes to Plan: |
Intact |
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Storefront: |
Slight |
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Changes to Windows: |
Intact |
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Changes to Original Cladding: |
Intact |
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| Major Bibliographic References |
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City of Seattle DCLU Microfilm Records.
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King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.
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Tobin, Carol. “Christ Episcopal Church, 4548 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA - University Neighborhood,” “Historic Property Inventory Report,” City of Seattle Historic Neighborhood Inventory Database. 21 June 2002.
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Sheridan, M. “West Home Funeral Chapel, 4400 California SW, Seattle, WA – West Seattle Junction,” “Historic Property Inventory Report,” City of Seattle Historic Neighborhood Inventory Database. 10 February 2002.
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Karin Link, “400 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA – South Lake Union,” “Historic Property Inventory Report,” City of Seattle Historic Neighborhood Inventory Database. 2005.
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