| Historic Name: |
Georgetown Garage (Wilkes & McKilrath Garage) |
Common Name: |
Revolver Vintage Interiors |
| Style: |
Commercial |
Neighborhood: |
Georgetown |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1924 |
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| Significance |
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Based on field work conducted in September 2014, this historic property retains its relationship to the streetscape, historic building form and a sufficient amount of exterior historic building fabric (design features, cladding and/or window sash/openings) to contribute to the distinct character of the Georgetown neighborhood.
Constructed in 1924 as a brick masonry, one-story 100' x 130' garage and transfer service (trucking) operation that also sold gasoline. The original proprietors appear to have been Wilkes & McKilrath; it was also known as the Georgetown Garage. The facade was divided symtrically reflecting the interior/structural four bay configuration. Large garage doors were located at the center bays. The facade was distinguished by brick cladding, a low stepped parapet, tall/multi-pane windows set in groups and a prominent neon sign. The property was acquired by John A. McGregor Co., Inc. in 1937 and was subsequently used for manufacturing puposes.
This property is directly associated with an era between 1916 and 1942 when the character of the community began to be changed by social factors, the acceleration of industrialization and associated economic impacts. Due to the instigation of Prohibition in 1916, all breweries closed and brought an abrupt end to their dominance within local industry. Prohibition not only closed down the large local brewery operations but also Georgetown’s infamous roadhouses and saloons. The completion of the Duwamish Waterway in 1917 created additional cheap factory sites with efficient shipping facilities. The establishment of manufacturing businesses such as the Boeing Aircraft Company signaled the new economic direction for the geographic area. Due to the increasing introduction of industrialization within the community, in 1923 it was zoned exclusively for such uses; however, home owners and builders continued to construct new homes and local businesses throughout the era. Inexpensive land and depression era federal programs stimulated residential construction and by 1942 city planners were forced by the community to rezone the residential areas. Major factors in housing development during this era were the opening in 1928 of Seattle's first municipal airport (Boeing Field) and the establishment in 1935 of Boeing Company Plant 2 on the west side of Boeing Field. By the end of World War II, 6,981 B-17 bombers had been produced there. At peak production, the facility operated three shifts, seven days a week and employed thousands of workers.
Sources of Information:
“Historic Property Survey Report: Georgetown (Seattle, WA)” City of Seattle 1997
King County Property Record Cards 1937-1972, Puget Sound Regional Archives
Sanborn Insurance Maps: 1904-05 (Vol.1 pl.89-98), 1917 (Vol.3 pl. 353-54 & 357-59), 1929-1949 (Vol.8 pl. 869-72 & 1301- 1317).
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| Appearance |
No substantive changes appear to have been made to the building form since the 1997 HRI project. However, portions of the stepped parapet have been clad with modern materials and modern window units have been installed. The building is in actve commercial use.
(1997) Shallow, stepped parapet. Transom windows. Original wide openings have likely been altered and in-filled. |
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