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Summary for this site is under review and the displayed data may not be fully up to date. If you need additional info, please call (206) 684-0464

Historic Name: George C. Wheeler Building Common Name: Herman Miller Store
Style: Gothic - Collegiate Gothic Neighborhood: South Lake Union
Built By: Year Built: 1925
 
Significance

See 333 Westlake Ave N. [Pande Cameron Building – Durant-Star Co./Dunn Motors Showroom] for Westlake Avenue N. – Historic Context Statement.

Constructed in 1925 for George C. Wheeler, this distinctive loft building appears to have been built as a speculative real estate venture.  Mr. Wheeler purchased the site in March 1924. It was designed by Seattle architect William R. Grant according to plans dated Feb 21, 1925 (DPD Microfilm Library). For many years Mr. Wheeler served as the director of the Seattle Building Owners and Managers Association and had been the building manager of the Northern Bank & Trust Building (Seaboard Building, 1506 Westlake Ave.) since 1915.  He also served on the Seattle Parks Board as a member and as president. Mr. Wheeler appears to have retained ownership of the building until July 1944. Original tenants have not been identified. Domestic Utilities Corp. used the building from 1937 – 1944. It was also used by Garrett M. Lowman & Associates for manufacturing purposes and by the Peerless Electric Supply Corp. c.1948.

Biographical information regarding William R. Grant (1890-1957). Born and raised in Detroit; employed by the Beezer Brothers (who designed adjacent loft building at 503 Westlake Ave. in 1919) from 1910 to 22; designed Christ Episcopal Church, Seattle (1914; altered); in private practice after 1922; designed Carl H. Mengedoht (now 2004 Westlake Avenue) building, Seattle (1923; altered), Carl H. Mengedoht residence, Seattle (1926-27), Ballard Eagles Aerie (now Ballard Building), Seattle (1927-28), A. J. Eberharter warehouses (several warehouse on Dexter Ave. for Adolph J. Eberharter, who also owned adjacent building at 503 Westlake Ave ), U.S. Naval Reserve Armory (now Museum of History & Industry), Seattle (1940-42, with B. Marcus Priteca); in partnership of William R. Grant & Son with Austin C. Grant, Seattle, 1945-54; designed Church House addition & remodeling of sanctuary, Christ Episcopal Church, Seattle (1953-54), Keith residence, Shoreline (1970). Retired from practice in 1954. (Credit: David Rash, Shaping Seattle Architecture, 2014.)
 
Appearance

Two-story with basement. Reinforced concrete structure clad with distinctive brick veneer and terra cotta trim/ornament. Measures 60ft x 110ft. Two-part commercial block façade divided into three structural bays. Collegiate Gothic architectural character. Multi-pane/industrial second floor level window sash.

Alterations: Modern aluminum storefront units at all three bays. New storefronts part of extensive 2007 remodel/building upgrade.

This property was determined to be not eligible for listing in the NRHP – South Lake Union Streetcar (EIS) 5/24/2005. See DAHP database – HPI Report dated 12/15/2004.

Detail for this site is under review and the displayed data may not be fully up to date. If you need additional info, please call (206) 684-0464

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Brick, Terra cotta Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured
Roof Type(s): Flat with Parapet Roof Material(s): Unknown
Building Type: Commercial/Trade - Business Plan: Rectangular
Structural System: Brick No. of Stories: two
Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Commerce
Integrity
Changes to Plan: Intact
Changes to Windows: Intact
Changes to Original Cladding: Intact
Storefront: Extensive
Major Bibliographic References
King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.

Photo collection for this site is under review and the displayed data may not be fully up to date. If you need additional info, please call (206) 684-0464


Photo taken Feb 27, 2014
App v2.0.1.0