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Summary for 3871 RAINIER AVE / Parcel ID 5609000105 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name:
Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: North Rainier Valley
Built By: Year Built: 1912
 
Significance
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 1912, this compact, vertically-emphasized, Victorian era, single-family dwelling is oriented to Rainier Avenue South on a sloping site 3’ above street level. This 419 square foot, one-and-a-half story house features a nearly square plan, measuring approximately 16’ by 14’, with a full width front porch. The wood frame, clapboard-clad superstructure features a front gable roof covered with asphalt composition roofing. Modest, closed eave and gable overhangs with trim define the roofline. Altered windows provide day lighting. A direct flight of stairs leads to the originally open, now enclosed hip roofed porch. An internal brick chimney services the building.

Detail for 3871 RAINIER AVE / Parcel ID 5609000105 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Wood, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Unknown
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 & ½
Unit Theme(s):
Integrity
Changes to Windows: Moderate
Changes to Original Cladding: Moderate
Changes to Plan: 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 3871 RAINIER AVE / Parcel ID 5609000105 / Inv #


Photo taken Nov 14, 2003
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