Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 4217 Brooklyn AVE / Parcel ID 1142000945 / Inv # UD109

Historic Name: Minerva Apartments Common Name: Ranice Apartments Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: University Built By: Year Built: 1908   Significance This building, built in 1909, is significant as one of the earliest apartment buildings in the district. The building was originally called the Minerva Apartments and was owned and operated by Henry J. and Julia A. Griffin from 1910 until the 1940s or 50s. Due to missing permit records, it is not known whether Henry and Julia Griffin were the original owners. Although this building has been altered slightly, its original leaded glass windows and basic form remain intact.   Appearance This vernacular two story apartment building is situated facing east on its lot. This building is clad in horizontal aluminum siding (clearly not original) and has a flat roof. The main entrance is composed of three doors in a row centered on the main elevation; each door is original and retains its full-length beveled glass windows. On either side of the front entrance is a large fixed window with a multi-paned leaded upper sash. A porch runs the full length of the front elevation. The second floor elevation has two small leaded glass windows flanked by two doors with full-length beveled glass windows, one on each side. Next to each second story door is a large fixed window with multi-paned leaded glass upper sash. The second story also has a balcony that runs the full length of the front elevation, supported by four simple columns, and is covered with a flat roof. Metal railings enclose the first and second story porches. The original cornice of the buildings has been covered/replaced with vertical board siding. The roof of the second story balcony replaced the original roof, which was not supported by columns. The original siding was narrow clapboard. This apartment building contains eight apartments. Although somewhat altered, this apartment building retains much of its original form and character.

Detail for 4217 Brooklyn AVE / Parcel ID 1142000945 / Inv # UD109

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Metal - Aluminum Siding Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Other Building Type: Domestic - Multiple Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: two Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Moderate 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 4217 Brooklyn AVE / Parcel ID 1142000945 / Inv # UD109

Photo taken Feb 02, 2002