Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 1645 10th AVE / Parcel ID 113000-0160 / Inv #

Historic Name: Alta Casa Common Name: Alta Casa Style: Spanish - Mediterranean Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Built By: Year Built: 1923   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. This three-story building gains a distinctive presence by its simplified Mediterranean detailing. It was designed in 1923 by architect Frank H. Fowler in 1923. The owner was J. Clarence Buie, the executive secretary of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. It is notable for its tile detailing at the entry. This is a relatively early example of the many apartment buildings constructed in the 1920s, when Seattle experienced a major construction boom. The city's population had increased dramatically in previous decades. Following a slow-down due to World War I, prosperity encouraged developers to meet the pent-up demand for housing. Apartments, ranging from basic housing to luxury units, were a significant factor in meeting this need, and became a major element of the streetscape in many Seattle neighborhoods. The North Broadway district had easy streetcar access to downtown and the street was lined with small apartment buildings. Like this one, they often used fine materials and detailing to reduce the impact of their size in the basically residential area.   Appearance This three-story building evokes a simplified Mediterranean Revival style with its bracketed red clay tile roof, stucco cladding and arched windows. The stucco, which was appears to have originally been light in color, has been painted dark grey. The building's form appears rectangular from the street, but a light well in the rear gives it a U-shape. The two side bays project slightly, with the four corners accented by stucco quoins. The major decorative features are in the central entry bay. The entry shows traces of Churrigueresque or Baroque influence, with a fluted arch and an elaborate surround that incorporates the wrought iron oriel window above. The third story has a pair of arched mulitpaned doors that open onto a small wrought iron balcony. The parapet is accented with three large rectangular plaques with floral motifs. In the recessed entry, the floor has red and brown clay tile and the walls are clad with brown-beige art tile resembling Batchelder tile. The windows now have white vinyl sash, replacing the original multipaned wood sash.

Detail for 1645 10th AVE / Parcel ID 113000-0160 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Stucco Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat with Eaves Roof Material(s): Clay Tile Building Type: Domestic - Multiple Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: three Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Windows: Moderate Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Major Bibliographic References Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996. King County Tax Assessor Records, ca. 1932-1972. City of Seattle, Department of Planning and Development, Microfilm Records.

Photo collection for 1645 10th AVE / Parcel ID 113000-0160 / Inv #

Photo taken Aug 31, 2006 Photo taken Aug 31, 2006