Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 5021 Rainer AVE / Parcel ID 5649600130 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name: Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: Columbia City Built By: Year Built: 1924   Significance The two story brick building was constructed in 1924 at a cost of $4000. It was owned by Theodore D. Weed and designed by John L. McCauley. Theodore D. Weed was a resident of Columbia City, beginning circa 1905, when he was listed in city directories as a building contractor and carpenter. He owned and operated the City Sash and Door Company, located at 5000 Rainier Avenue S. from 1910 through the late 1920s. Weed resided in Columbia City, at 3839 S. Edmunds. He was the owner of the building at 4906-08 Rainier Avenue S. when it was remodeled in 1929 and renamed the Weed Building. During the 1920s and 30s Weed owned four commercial buildings in the 4900 and 5000 block of Rainier Avenue S. Architect John L. McCauley, who was a resident of Columbia City and designed at least seven buildings in the district. The subject building was constructed as an automobile garage. In 1926, an addition was constructed at a cost of $2000 and the use was to be for automobile sales and service. In 1927, the basement in the building was finished, at a cost of $2000. By 1938, the business was the Sam D. Stearns, Inc. Auto Dealership. By 1940, Lyons Plumbing Supply was also located in the building. A part of the building remains in use as an auto repair shop today.   Appearance This single story commercial building is of masonry construction and is supported by a concrete foundation. The building has a rectangular plan and a flat roof. The building is clad in brick and diagonal board siding on the storefront level and stucco siding above. The storefront configuration consists of an inset entryway flanked by modern four-part windows; a large garage door is located on the north side of the front elevation.

Detail for 5021 Rainer AVE / Parcel ID 5649600130 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: LR Cladding(s): Brick, Stucco, Wood Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition Building Type: Commercial/Trade - Business Plan: Irregular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Commerce Integrity Changes to Windows: Moderate Changes to Original Cladding: Slight Changes to Plan: Intact Storefront: 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. Centennial History, Columbia City, Rainier Valley, 1853-1991, Pioneers of Columbia City. Seattle, Washington, 1992.

Photo collection for 5021 Rainer AVE / Parcel ID 5649600130 / Inv #

Photo taken Mar 22, 2004