Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 3537 Wallingford AVE / Parcel ID 4083306188 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name: Style: Ranch - Minimal Traditional Neighborhood: Wallingford Built By: Year Built: 1949   Significance The site came into the possession of Edith Thedinga in 1918 but, based on the permit record, it appears that no improvements were made until after the Second World War. The building that presently stands at the site is a duplex (the second unit is addressed as 3539 Wallingford Avenue N.). This two family dwelling was built in 1949 by Emil Zech, the property owner at the time, and was designed by architect Howard H. Riley (permit # 394515). A garage had only recently been completed on the property (permit #393011) when construction of the duplex was initiated. Zech resided at the duplex until 1951 or 1952. It is not known when Harry B. Rice acquired the property, but he was living in the building by 1953. Owner Harry Rice began adjustments to the heating system in 1992 but these apparently were not completed until 1995. The current owners acquired the property from Jeanine R. Cosgrove in 1994; Cosgrove apparently acquired it from Harry B. Rice sometime after 1992. The structure is significant as an intact example of the “modernistic” version of minimal traditional style housing popular in the 1940s and also is indicative of a trend towards the construction of small-scale multi-family infill housing in Wallingford in the 1940s and 1950s.   Appearance This is a one story, wood panel siding, clapboard and brick clad frame duplex without basement on a concrete foundation. The low hipped roof, minimal soffits, roman brick veneer, corner-wrapping windows, and glass brick windows are all typical of a “modernistic” version of minimal traditional housing popular in the late 1930s and through the 1940s. The use of combed wood panel siding (employed sparingly on this structure) suggests a willingness on the part of the designer and the builder to experiment with new building techniques and materials. No significant modifications are apparent.

Detail for 3537 Wallingford AVE / Parcel ID 4083306188 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Hold Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick - Roman, Glass - Glass Block, Unknown, Wood, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Hip Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition-Shingle Building Type: Domestic - Multiple Family Plan: Irregular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Community Planning/Development Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact 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 3537 Wallingford AVE / Parcel ID 4083306188 / Inv #

Photo taken Jul 25, 2004 Photo taken Jul 25, 2004