Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 325 Denny WAY / Parcel ID 0656000320 / Inv #

Historic Name: Fidelity Savings & Loan Common Name: Wells Fargo Bank Style: Modern - International Style Neighborhood: Belltown Built By: Year Built: 1951   Significance This sleek glass-enclosed pavilion was built as Fidelity Savings & Loan in 1951, a time when construction was recovering after World War II. It is one of a number of buildings constructed during this period at the north edge of Belltown. This area, and the adjacent Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, was underdeveloped compared to nearby areas, and when the post-war economy recovered sufficiently these areas proved to be fertile ground for construction of small commercial buildings. It is also a good example of the minimalist International Style, the primary design vocabulary of the 1950s. During this decade, International Style buildings of all sizes became common in Seattle for virtually all commercial and institutional purposes. Small commercial buildings in this style are often characterized, as is this one, by expanses of glass, with aluminum window frames. A second story was added to the rear office section in 1956.   Appearance This building reads as several intersecting planes. The strong horizontal roofline with a deep metal-clad cornice appears to float above the glass walls. Toward the center, a brick wall intersects the roof plane. In front of this, enclosing the entry, is a stone-clad wall, perpendicular to the brick wall; this is shorter and is topped by glass. It intersects the side of the glass wall, sitting on a brick base, that extends across the front of the building. At the far corner a tall brick pylon adds height to contrast with the horizontal roof. A two-story office section is at the rear of the pavilion.

Detail for 325 Denny WAY / Parcel ID 0656000320 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick, Glass, Metal, Stone Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Unknown Building Type: Commercial/Trade - Financial Institution Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Concrete - Poured No. of Stories: one & ½ Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Commerce Integrity Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Plan: Slight Major Bibliographic References King County Tax Assessor Records, ca. 1932-1972.

Photo collection for 325 Denny WAY / Parcel ID 0656000320 / Inv #

Photo taken Jul 04, 2006 Photo taken Jul 04, 2006