Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 944 20TH AVE / Parcel ID 7228501550 / Inv # 0

Historic Name: Common Name: Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: Central Area Built By: Year Built: 1902   Significance This is a reversed saltbox scheme, a version of the massed-plan side gabled vernacular house (one of the national folk housing typologies popular throughout the country in the last half of the nineteenth century). The structure’s design integrity has been somewhat compromised by changes to the fenestration, alterations to the cladding system and the modification of the porch rail. 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. 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 house and the house at 936 20th appear to utilize similar plans and details. The windows and doors are characterized by patterns and details customarily associated with the Queen Anne style. The shaped Tuscan piers standing atop the porch railings are suggestive of Queen Anne -- Free Classic work. The Queen Anne details are applied to a vernacular form. This house was built in 1902 according to both the King County Property Record Card and the King County GIS Center Property Report. There appears to be an early single story addition at the rear. New window openings at the north elevation suggest some interior modifications. A few of the original windows have been replaced. Storm windows have been added at some openings. The original clapboard siding has been covered or replaced with concrete asbestos shingles. The original solid clapboard clad porch railing has been replaced by a light wood baluster railing. The entry stairs have been rebuilt and railings have been added.

Detail for 944 20TH AVE / Parcel ID 7228501550 / Inv # 0

Status: Yes - Hold Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Shingle - Concrete/Asbestos, Wood Foundation(s): Brick, Post & Pier Roof Type(s): Flat with Eaves, Gable, Hip Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition-Shingle Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one & ½ Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Plan: Slight Changes to Windows: Moderate Changes to Original Cladding: Extensive Changes to Interior: Unknown Major Bibliographic References

Photo collection for 944 20TH AVE / Parcel ID 7228501550 / Inv # 0

Photo taken Jun 12, 2008