Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 1440 21ST AVE / Parcel ID 7228501055 / Inv # 0

Historic Name: Common Name: Style: Queen Anne - Free Classic Neighborhood: Central Area Built By: Year Built: 1903   Significance This is an example of Queen Anne -- Free Classic design with a slight Craftsman flavor. The structure’s design integrity has been somewhat compromised by alterations to the detailing at the porch and the loss of the classical balustrade at the porch roof deck. This is one of approximately 2,200 houses that are still extant out of more than 5,000 that were built by the end of 1906 in Seattle’s Central Area, Eastlake, First Hill, Leschi, Madison Park, Madrona, and North Capitol Hill neighborhoods. The structure is located in a portion of the Central Area also known as the East Madison district. This structure was surveyed for the City in 1991 (see separate database entry). A complete permit history, and a complete record of ownership and occupation have not yet been prepared for this property. BIBLIOGRAPHY King County GIS Center Property Report (http://www5.kingcounty.gov/kcgisreports/property_report.aspx; accessed August 19, 2008) King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972) Washington State Archives   Appearance This is a two story, clapboard and shingle clad, wood frame single-family residence on a concrete foundation, over a full basement. One of the porches is built on a post and pier foundation according to the King County Property Record Card. The rectangular plan is capped by a gable roof with moderate overhangs and enclosed soffits. The windows and doors are characterized by patterns and details customarily associated with Queen Anne architecture. The Tuscan columns at the entry porch and the false purlin extensions (resembling box modillions) at the front facing gable gives the structure a distinctive Free Classic flavor that was reinforced by the classical balustrade that once protected the small rooftop deck atop the entry porch roof. The canted pedestals at the porch appear to prefigure a Craftsman detail that would become popular in the decades following the construction of this house. This house was built in 1903 according to both the King County Property Record Card; and the King County GIS Center Property Report. The house appears to have been converted to a duplex for a time in the late 1940s or 1950s but has more recently been returned to use as a single family residence. Storm windows have been added at many of the window openings. Some of the clapboard siding may have been refurbished. The clapboard-clad canted pedestals that supported the porch columns in 1937 have been replaced with canted concrete pedestals. A classical wood baluster railing at the roof deck over the entry porch has been replaced by a less appropriate but more code compliant metal railing. Metal railings have also replaced simple wood railings at the entry porch.

Detail for 1440 21ST AVE / Parcel ID 7228501055 / Inv # 0

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Concrete, Shingle, Wood, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured, Post & Pier Roof Type(s): Gable, Hip 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: Slight Changes to Windows: Slight Changes to Original Cladding: Moderate Changes to Interior: Unknown Major Bibliographic References

Photo collection for 1440 21ST AVE / Parcel ID 7228501055 / Inv # 0

Photo taken Jun 11, 2008 Photo taken Jun 11, 2008