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Summary for 3907 RENTON AVE / Parcel ID 2539500020 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name:
Style: Modern Neighborhood: North Rainier Valley
Built By: Year Built: 1955
 
Significance
Built in 1955, the building was first occupied in August of the same year. Lloyd G. Manzel owned the building and remained through 1961. By 1965 through 1968, Anthony D. Bowser lived in the house. 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 1955, this Modern style single-family dwelling stands on a rectangular lot. The building is oriented to Renton Avenue South on a flat site at street level. This 1295 square foot, single story house with a full basement features a nearly square plan, measuring approximately 37’ by 35’, with a full width front porch. A poured concrete foundation supports the wood frame, brick and vertical board clad superstructure. Asphalt composition roofing covers the side gable roof. Broad closed eave overhangs and flush gables define the roofline. Multiple-pane windows provide day lighting. A direct flight of stairs leads to the front porch. A solid brick railing wraps the porch. The extended main roofline shelters the porch. An exterior brick chimney services the building.

Detail for 3907 RENTON AVE / Parcel ID 2539500020 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Brick - Roman, Vertical - Boards Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured
Roof Type(s): Gable 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 Plan: Intact
Changes to Windows: Slight
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 3907 RENTON AVE / Parcel ID 2539500020 / Inv #


Photo taken Dec 08, 2003

Photo taken Dec 08, 2003

Photo taken Dec 08, 2003
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