Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 4614 LINDEN AVE / Parcel ID 9521101095 / Inv # 0

Historic Name: Hans B. & Josefine Grevstad House Common Name: Fischer/Smith Residence Style: Tudor Neighborhood: Fremont Built By: Year Built: 1925   Significance An important design feature of this house – the oriel window bay - has been somewhat altered; however this residence is a notable example of Tudor Revival residential design, a highly popular architectural style during this era. It is located in Woodland Addition to Salmon Bay City (platted February 1887) and was constructed in 1925 during the last historic period of intense residential development in the district. The construction permit was issued to Hans B. Grevstad on January 3, 1924. Mr. Grevstad was identified as the owner, contractor and architect for the project, which was stated to cost $4,000.00 to construct. The project appears to have taken until at least March 1926 to complete. Mr. Grevstad appears to have been a very successful Norwegian-born carpenter and building contractor who is believed to have settled in Seattle with his wife Josefine c.1904. He is known to have resided at 901 N. 48th St and 723 N. 48th St (houses that he may have designed/built) and to have constructed several other houses in the district including distinctive Craftsman style residences at 726 N. 47th St. (1918) and 807 N. 50th St. (1917). After completion of the subject residence Mr. and Mrs. Grevstad initially resided at this address; however, it appears to have been converted to a duplex by c.1929. The property was purchased by Wm. Wagner Investment Co. on 10-5-1936 and a second two-car garage was constructed in 1938 (Permit #327472) indicating that the house may have been converted to a triplex at that time. At the time of Josefine Grevstad’s death in 1958 she was residing with Mr. Grevstad at 3712 NE 43rd St. in the Laurelhurst neighborhood.   Appearance Prominently located at the NE corner of the intersection of Linden Avenue N. and N. 47th St. with front elevation oriented to the west. Two story, brick veneer and wood-frame, single family residence that was initially converted to a duplex and is now used as a triplex. Distinctive side-gable Tudor Revival residential design. Measures approx. 32’ x 53’ with concrete foundation and basement level. Prototypical asymmetrical façade with prominent high pitched front gable and somewhat altered two-story oriel window bay. Addition high pitched front gables at the recessed entry porch and south end of the façade. Exterior is clad with red brick veneer accentuated by distinctive stone (or cast stone) window and door surrounds. Main side-gable roof form is clipped at each end. Prominent chimney and fireplace with stone details located at north elevation. Tall slender secondary chimney at interior location south end of residence. Casement and fixed window sash (with multi-pane leaded glazing) set in groups typical at all elevations; may be in-kind replacement sash. Small arched windows at gable peak north and south elevations. Original one-car garage at basement level accessible from N. 47th St. Original oriel window bay included distinctive half-timber treatment with decorated spandrels above and below the second floor level windows; this element has been altered by the placement of aluminum or vinyl siding over the original walls and at the original brick clad dormer walls adjacent to it.

Detail for 4614 LINDEN AVE / Parcel ID 9521101095 / Inv # 0

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: District Status: Cladding(s): Metal - Aluminum Siding, Brick - Common Bond Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Gable - Clipped Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition-Shingle Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: two Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Slight Changes to Interior: Unknown Major Bibliographic References Seattle Public Library – Biographical Index File King County Tax Assessor Records, ca. 1932-1972. City of Seattle DPD Microfilm Records. Polk's Seattle Directories, 1910-1940.

Photo collection for 4614 LINDEN AVE / Parcel ID 9521101095 / Inv # 0

Photo taken Mar 31, 2009 Photo taken Mar 31, 2009