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Summary for 3819 38th AVE / Parcel ID 8121100070 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name:
Style: Colonial - Colonial Revival Neighborhood: North Rainier Valley
Built By: Year Built: 1925
 
Significance
Built in 1925, this building was occupied by Leonard J. McGee by 1938 through 1961. Alex Alexander purchased the building in December of 1964 for $13,950. In January of 1967, Johnnie L. McCray purchased the building for $15,275, and he remained through 1968. Wally H. Richards purchased the building in November of 1970 for $18,000. 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 1925, this compact, Colonial Revival style, single-family dwelling is oriented to Thirty-Eighth Avenue South on a sloping site slightly above street level. This 854 square foot, single-story house with a three-quarter daylight basement features a T-shaped plan, measuring approximately 31’ by 28’ by 13’, with a 5’ by 18’ back porch and small front stoop. A poured concrete foundation supports the wood frame, shingle-clad superstructure. Asphalt composition roofing covers the cross gable roof. Modest, closed eave and gable overhangs define the roofline. Wood sash windows with multiple-lite sash provide day lighting. A gable stoop roof with an elliptical soffit is supported on Classically-influenced posts. Two brick chimneys service the building.

Detail for 3819 38th AVE / Parcel ID 8121100070 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Shingle Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured
Roof Type(s): Gable Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition
Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: T-Shape
Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one
Unit Theme(s):
Integrity
Changes to Windows: Intact
Changes to Original Cladding: Intact
Changes to Plan: 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.
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 3819 38th AVE / Parcel ID 8121100070 / Inv #


Photo taken Nov 13, 2003
App v2.0.1.0