Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 1642 43rd AVE / Parcel ID 5318102225 / Inv # CA007

Historic Name: Pioneer Hall Common Name: Pioneer Hall Style: Beaux Arts - Neoclassical Neighborhood: Central Area Built By: unknown Year Built: 1910   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places. In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. Pioneer Hall sits on the shore of Lake Washington on a site donated by Judge and Mrs. John McGilvra. The building was erected in 1910, funded by a $20,000 bequest from Sarah Loretta Denny, whose family had been one of the founders of the city of Seattle in 1851. The bequest specified that the hall was to be used by the living pioneers to preserve and carry on the memories of the early pioneer families. The hall has been used continuously for this purpose since construction, as a meeting place for the Pioneer Association, the Daughters of the Pioneers and similar groups. It also houses a noted genealogical database and library. The Pioneer Association of the State of Washington was founded in 1883 and later merged with the King County Pioneer Association, which had been formed in 1871. The building was placed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 5, 1970.   Appearance This two-story rectangular building of red brick sits on a hillside near the edge of Lake Washington. Because of the lot's slope, the concrete foundation is visible on the north side. The first floor has three large arches with fanlights; two contain wood frame windows with wood bulkheads below. The third is the entry, with double-leaf glass and wood doors. The second floor has three pairs of 4/1 double-hung sash. At the top of the main façade is a stepped parapet with metal coping. Below is a very pronounced dentilled cornice; a heavy belt course (without dentils) runs between the two stories. Below the cornice is a simple wooden sign saying "Washington Pioneer Hall." On the south elevation the original brick has been covered with marblecrete and the windows have been replaced with aluminum sash.

Detail for 1642 43rd AVE / Parcel ID 5318102225 / Inv # CA007

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: INV Cladding(s): Metal, Other Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Unknown Building Type: Social - Meeting Hall Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: two Unit Theme(s): Social Movements & Organizations, Other Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Slight Changes to Original Cladding: Moderate Major Bibliographic References King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives. Metcalfe, J. Vernon, National Register Nomination Form, Pioneer Hall, 1969.

Photo collection for 1642 43rd AVE / Parcel ID 5318102225 / Inv # CA007

Photo taken Aug 20, 2001