Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 600-612 19th AVE / Parcel ID 519100020 / Inv # CH011

Historic Name: Nash Apartments Common Name: Pelican Bay Art Cooperative Style: Commercial Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Built By: Year Built: 1909   Significance This mixed-use building is one of the oldest in the 19th Avenue East business district. It was built in 1909, shortly after the streetcar began running along 19th Avenue. The first businesses in the vicinity were the Mission Pharmacy and a grocery store, two blocks north of this building. The smaller district expanded considerably in the 1920s, but with few mixed-use buildings. This building has had numerous stores on the first floor, including, in the 1930s-40s, the Roycroft Radio Shop, a bicycle shop, and Fleming's Grocery. Although the upper floors have newer windows, the storefronts are largely intact and the building has a strong sense of its original character. It currently houses a popular restaurant and an artists' cooperative, which may account for the three-dimensional mural of an archipelago on the south elevation. Artworks are also found in the sidewalk and the seating area in the planting strip to the south.   Appearance This simple three-story brick-clad masonry building is topped by a deep modillioned cornice. The storefronts have a high degree of physical integrity, with recessed entries, wood-and-glass doors and wood sash with transoms. The second and third floors have newer metal sash. The south elevation is clad with stucco and features a three-dimensional sculpture of mountains and islands, which covers the entire façade; this was presumably done by artists in the building.

Detail for 600-612 19th AVE / Parcel ID 519100020 / Inv # CH011

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: INV Cladding(s): Brick, Stucco Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Unknown Building Type: Domestic - Multiple Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Masonry - Unreinforced No. of Stories: three Unit Theme(s): Commerce, Transportation Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Extensive Changes to Original Cladding: Slight Major Bibliographic References Felzer, Clem, map of 19th Avenue East, unpublished. Williams, Jacqueline B. The Hill with a Future: Seattle's Capitol Hill 1900-1946. Seattle: CPK Ink, 2001. King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.

Photo collection for 600-612 19th AVE / Parcel ID 519100020 / Inv # CH011

Photo taken Jul 26, 2001