Historic Name: |
Lincoln Court Apartments |
Common Name: |
Lincoln Court Apartments |
Style: |
Arts & Crafts - Craftsman |
Neighborhood: |
Capitol Hill |
Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1907 |
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Significance |
In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. |
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This is a good example of one of the earlier apartment buildings in the heart of Capitol Hill, dating from 1907. Little is known about its origins. The building permit was issued to John H. Starbird, a contractor, who was probably the builder and may have been the owner as well. The plans were filed by Knapp-West, who may have been architects or owners, but who are not listed in the city directory. During the first decade of the century, apartment construction began, to accommodate the vast influx of new arrivals, many of whom were young singles. In the years following the 1897 Klondike gold rush the city grew dramatically, doubling between 1890 and 1900 and nearly tripling again by 1910, to 237,194. Lincoln Court was located near the center of early Capitol Hill, close to streetcar lines and two of the neighborhood's important early amenities, Broadway High School and Cal Anderson Park and reservoir. The park was originally called Lincoln Park, which was probably the original of the apartment building's name.
The building itself, notable for its deep eaves and oversized brackets, was a relatively simple one, with 28 2- and 3-room apartments, but no special amenities. It is notable for its use of Craftsman features such as deep brackets and a gabled hood over the entry; the Craftsman style was just beginning to become popular in Seattle at that time, and was seldom seen in apartment buildings. In 2000-2002 it was renovated for use as low income housing. It is in good condition and is intact except for newer metal sash windows that resemble the originals.
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Appearance |
Lincoln Court apartments has a shallow L-shaped plan, with half of the rear façade recessed 18 feet, perhaps to accommodate a house that records show was originally on the site. It is three stories with a daylight basement, of wood frame construction clad with red brick. There is a belt course of buff brick, which also delineates the arch above the entry. The building's most notable feature is the very deep cornice with oversized brackets. The entry, at the center of the south façade, has a deeply recessed archway, a wood-and glass door with sidelights and a transom of leaded glass and terrazzo stairs. The archway is sheltered by a striking Craftsman-style gabled hood with large brackets. Windows are newer 1-over-1 sash, but are generally compatible. |
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