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Common Name: |
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| Style: |
Other |
Neighborhood: |
Central Area |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1902 |
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| Significance |
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This is an interesting and somewhat prominent example of the Neoclassical style where the underlying plan typology has forced an adjustment in the application of classical porch design conventions. The building retains much of its characteristic detailing; however, its integrity has been compromised by alterations to the porch and the large, unsympathetic addition at the rear.
This is one of approximately 2,200 houses (and house-like low-density residential structures) that are still extant out of more than 5,000 houses built by the end of 1906 in Seattle’s Central Area, Eastlake, First Hill, Leschi, Madison Park, Madrona, and North Capitol Hill neighborhoods.
A complete permit history and a complete record of ownership and occupation have not yet been prepared for this property; however, it does appear that B. Snider owned this building from about 1924 until at least 1937. It was purchased by Willie Pitre in 1957, and it has been owned by the current owner since at least 1988.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972) Washington State Archives
King County GIS Center Property Report (http://www5.kingcounty.gov/kcgisreports/property_report.aspx; accessed July 29, 2008)
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| Appearance |
This is a two-and-a-half story, clapboard clad, wood frame duplex on a brick foundation, over a full basement.
The symmetrical façade, dominated by a full height porch supported by classical columns with Ionic capitals, combined with the balanced placement of the windows and the centered doorway (in this case, a centered pair of doors), are characteristic features of Neoclassical design.
The roofline balustrade at the entry porch, the moderate overhang of the boxed eaves with modillions and dentils, and the wide multi-part frieze that extends the entablature of the entry porch around the entire structure, are other typical elements of Neoclassical styling. The appearance of rectangular double-hung windows in groups of two or three, and the presences of bay windows at the two side elevations, are compositional devices that differentiate the Neoclassical style from earlier Greek Revival and Early Classical Revival work. The absence of arches, or opening with curved components such as fanlights or Palladian windows, is an indication that the scheme relies on Greek rather than Roman models. The use of an odd number (three) rather than an even number of columns (as is more typical in a symmetrical design with a central axis), might be a reflection of the fact that this structure was built as a duplex in which the two separate units appear to share a plan that is reflected across an axial wall.
The building has suffered from poor maintenance and an insensitive addition. The balustrade that once surmounted the full height, deck-roofed entry porch has been removed, porch railings at the entry level have been unsympathetically replaced, and the railing at the second level needs significant repair. The central column at the porch has lost its Ionic capital. There is a large addition at the rear of the building of unknown date.
It appears several of the windows have been replaced with vinyl units.
The building enjoys some prominence as a result of its corner location near the intersection of two Central Area arterials (Yesler Way and Martin Luther King Jr. Way).
This structure was built in 1902 (King County Property Record Card; the King County GIS Center Property Report, accessed July 29, 2008). The King County Property Record Card, prepared in 1937, suggests that the house was remodeled but does not give a date. It has been a duplex since at least 1937.
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