Seattle.gov Home Page
Link to Seattle Department of Neighborhoods home page

Seattle Historical Sites

New Search

Summary for 4238 12th AVE / Parcel ID 1142000945 / Inv # UD105

Historic Name: Common Name:
Style: American Foursquare- Colonial Neighborhood: University
Built By: Year Built: 1908
 
Significance
This modified American Foursquare house is significant as an example of one of the oldest houses in the Brooklyn area of the University District. This house is thought to be one of the original farmhouses in the District, although this has not been substantiated. The original builder and owner are unknown. Starting in about 1918, George E. and Lillie Cameron lived in the house. George E. Cameron was a bridge carpenter. The house later became a rooming house for University of Washington students. It was a Filipino student house for a time. This house has had substantial alterations and additions, particularly on the east (rear) elevation.
 
Appearance
This modified American Foursquare house is two and a half stories and is situated facing west on its lot. The roof is hipped and has two gabled dormers, one each on the front and rear elevations, and two hipped roof dormers, one each on the north and south elevations. The house is clad in clapboard siding and wood shingle. The main entrance is on the north side of the front elevation. A front porch extends from the front and runs half the width of the elevation. Two columns support the porch roof, which is hipped. A double-hung window is on the first floor of the front elevation, opposite of the porch. The second story elevation has windows similar to the box bay window type seen on many American Foursquare homes. Between these windows, on the front elevation, are two small multi-paned fixed windows. The gabled dormer on the front elevation has a double-hung window with a multi-paned upper sash. This house has undergone many alterations and additions; many of the windows have been replaced.

Detail for 4238 12th AVE / Parcel ID 1142000945 / Inv # UD105

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Shingle, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured
Roof Type(s): Hip Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition
Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Rectangular
Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: two & ½
Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture
Integrity
Changes to Plan: Extensive
Changes to Windows: Intact
Changes to Original Cladding: 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.

Photo collection for 4238 12th AVE / Parcel ID 1142000945 / Inv # UD105


Photo taken Jan 22, 2002
App v2.0.1.0