Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 602 N 48TH ST N / Parcel ID 9521100365 / Inv # 0

Historic Name: Ira T. Wolfe House Common Name: Style: Arts & Crafts - Craftsman Neighborhood: Fremont Built By: Year Built: 1913   Significance This house is a generally well-preserved example of a popular Craftsman Bungalow plan type that was commonly constructed in Seattle during this era. It is the best preserved of three similar houses (the others are at 606 & 610 N. 48th St. - the house at 610 is the exact same house plan/design) constructed on this half block. It is located in the Woodland Addition to Salmon Bay City, which was plated by Robert D. McFadden in February 1887 and was one of the earliest platted and developed residential areas in Fremont and was constructed in 1913 during a period of intense historic residential development in the district. The original building permit (#125705) was issued on August 8, 1913 to I.T. Wolfe for the construction of a ‘res 24 x 42 1-1/2 story’ estimated to cost $1,850. I.T. Wolfe was identified as the owner, builder and architect for the project; however, the plan and design of the house appears to have been from an architectural planbook source. Ira T. Wolfe was identified in the 1910 U.S. census as residing at a home he owned at 105 W. 75th St (now NW 75th St) with his wife Emma. The 1909 Polk’s Seattle City Directory and the 1910 U.S. Census indicate that he worked as an inspector for the City Engineering Dept./Street Works. By 1911, he appears to have become involved in residential real estate development. Given the distinct similarities in design, it is assumed that he was involved in the development of at least two similar houses on this half block. An article in the Seattle Daily Bulletin (published Nov. 5, 1913) indicated that he had recently designed/developed a residence in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. It is unclear whether Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe resided at the subject residence after it was completed; it appears possible that they resided there until c.1918, when the property was purchased by Frederick and May Shattuck. By 1920, Wolfe was identified in the U.S. Census as residing at 5231 11th Avenue NE and working as an architect designing apartment houses. However, no known apartment houses in Seattle have been identified or credited to him. The 1920 Polk’s Seattle City Directory indicates that Wolfe was a partner in Valmore Manufacturing Co. (makers of toys and furniture). Frederick B. and May Shattuck purchased the house on 7-26-1918. Mr. Shattuck was a machinist for a freight company and they appear to have resided here until c.1922 or longer. The property appears to have remained in the ownership of the Mr. & Mrs. Shattuck and/or family members until c.1966. King County property tax records indicate that the house was remodeled in 1927, possibly finishing the attic area. By 1952, the exterior was clad with asphalt ‘Brick-tex’ type siding that has now been removed.   Appearance Located at the NE corner of the intersection of N. 48th St. and Evanston Ave. N with front elevation oriented to the south. Very well-preserved, one story, wood-frame, single-family residence constructed in 1913. There may be a small habitable attic area. Exhibits distinctive Craftsman Bungalow style design elements/features. Front gable building form w/ prominent cutaway and projecting porch and corner bay window at facade. Measures approx. 29’ x 47’ with concrete foundation and basement level. Small shed dormer at west elevation. Prominent 6’ x 8’ porch at east side of façade with projecting front gable roof, elaborate support posts composed of three wood posts with cross members resting on brick and river rock piers. River rock and brick porch rail and stair cheeks. River rock and brick chimney at west elevation. Prominent square corner bay window at west side of façade with projecting front gable roof and bracketed base. Craftsman style design elements/features include: low pitched roof forms; porch and bay window features; river rock and brick features; variegated cladding (narrow horizontal cedar siding, cedar shingles); multiple kneebraces at main roof, porch and bay window; wide elaborately decorated (cut out) barge boards at all gable ends and wide eaves and roof overhangs. Original cottage windows at corner bay with unusual multi-pane pattern upper sash member; front window sidelights and attic level/gable end windows have been replaced with non-historic fabric. Most of the other windows appear to be original or matching wooden product.

Detail for 602 N 48TH ST N / Parcel ID 9521100365 / Inv # 0

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick - Clinker, Shingle, Stone - River Rock, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Gable Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition-Shingle Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Interior: Unknown Major Bibliographic References U.S. Census Records (1880-1920) King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives. Architects file cards, Seattle Department of Neighborhood, Historic Preservation Program. City of Seattle DPD Microfilm Records. Polk's Seattle Directories, 1910-1940.

Photo collection for 602 N 48TH ST N / Parcel ID 9521100365 / Inv # 0

Photo taken Mar 13, 2009 Photo taken Mar 13, 2009