Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 1600 E John ST E / Parcel ID 1806900395 / Inv # CH008

Historic Name: Anhalt Apartment Common Name: Group Health Cooperative Style: Tudor Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Built By: Anhalt Development Company Year Built: 1928   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. This is one of several Capitol Hill apartment buildings constructed by the developer Frederick Anhalt, and the only one in commercial use. Anhalt began developing small commercial buildings and bungalow courts in 1927, but quickly saw larger profits in carefully designed and detailed apartment buildings for wealthier residents. He borrowed freely from English Tudor and French Norman precedents, using half-timbering, leaded glass, decorative brick and other details to create unique buildings. The buildings avoided long hallways by having several entrances, allowing each unit to be close to an entry lobby. Most of the buildings were sited around landscaped courtyards, providing a buffer from the street; Anhalt paid great attention to the landscaping and maintained his own nurseries. Although his apartment building career was brief, ended abruptly by the Depression, Anhalt's apartment buildings are masterpieces that have influenced the communities where they are located and form a significant part of Seattle's building history. This building was purchased in 1968 by Group Health Cooperative, located across the street, and converted to office use.   Appearance This three-story U-shaped building shows the strong English Tudor influence and attention to detail that were typical of Anhalt's projects. The building is U-shaped, with steep gabled roofs on the three wings with hipped roof sections at the street end. The first two floors are clad in brick; the third floor overhangs slightly and is stucco-clad with half-timbering. There is a rustic wood balcony in the southeast corner. The roof is of heavy composition shingles that look like slate. The casement windows throughout, in groups of three or four, have leaded multipane sash; those on the first floor have security bars. The main entry in the northwest corner is reached by a rounded set of brick steps, with a wrought iron railing; a ramp for handicapped access has been added. The two courtyard is heavily landscaped with large trees, shrubs and a lawn; it is surrounded by a low (18") brick wall. Although the building is now used as office space, minimal changes have been made to the exterior.

Detail for 1600 E John ST E / Parcel ID 1806900395 / Inv # CH008

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick, Stucco Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Gable Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition Building Type: Domestic - Multiple Family Plan: U-Shape Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: three Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture, Health/Medicine Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Interior: Moderate Major Bibliographic References King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives. Kreisman, Lawrence. Apartments by Anhalt. Seattle: Kreisman Exhibit Design, 1978.

Photo collection for 1600 E John ST E / Parcel ID 1806900395 / Inv # CH008

Photo taken Jul 30, 2001