| Historic Name: |
Capitol Hill Branch Library |
Common Name: |
Laurel Gifts |
| Style: |
Commercial |
Neighborhood: |
Capitol Hill |
| Built By: |
J. L. McCauley |
Year Built: |
1925 |
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| Significance |
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This modest building is a relatively intact example of a small commercial structure, similar to many that were built along streetcar routes. Nineteenth Avenue East near East Aloha Street became a neighborhood commercial district in 1909, shortly after the streetcar began running here. The first businesses were the Mission Pharmacy and a grocery store, kitty-corner from this building. The small district expanded considerably in the 1920s, when this building was constructed. The other buildings have been altered considerably for new uses, while this one retains its physical integrity.
This building has housed many businesses over the years. The first tenants were the Mission Barber and Beauty Shop, which was in the building from 1927 until 1968. The Washington Patent Shoe Company, owned by Leon Sherin, was also here for many years, from 1926 until 1979, more than fifty years. A laundry and dye works was a tenant from 1931 until 1948. This space was taken by the Capitol Hill branch of the Seattle Public Library until 1961, when the new Henry branch was built near Broadway. Tenant turnover has been more rapid in recent decades, with a porcelain studio, an interior design business, furniture repair and a catering office. The building now has an architect's office and an artist's studio.
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| Appearance |
| This small commercial building is clad with brick, now painted gray, on the front and part of the way down the sides, with asbestos siding on the rear and toward the rear of the side elevations. The three recessed doorways are largely intact, with wood-and-glass doors, wood sash with transoms and brick bulkheads. The side elevations each have two display windows. Along the front of the building, extending a few feet down each side, is a projecting cornice and a belt course above the transom. A fabric canopy covers the western two-thirds of the building and the west side display windows. The rear has two doors, with a third one replaced by a door. |
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| Status: |
Yes - Inventory |
| Classication: |
Building |
District Status: |
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| Cladding(s): |
Brick, Shingle - Concrete/Asbestos |
Foundation(s): |
Concrete - Poured |
| Roof Type(s): |
Gable |
Roof Material(s): |
Unknown |
| Building Type: |
Commercial/Trade - Specialty store |
Plan: |
Square |
| Structural System: |
Balloon Frame/Platform Frame |
No. of Stories: |
one |
| Unit Theme(s): |
Commerce, Community Planning/Development |
| Integrity |
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Changes to Plan: |
Intact |
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Changes to Windows: |
Slight |
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Changes to Original Cladding: |
Slight |
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| Major Bibliographic References |
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Felzer, Clem, map of 19th Avenue East, unpublished.
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Williams, Jacqueline B. The Hill with a Future: Seattle's Capitol Hill 1900-1946. Seattle: CPK Ink, 2001.
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King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.
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Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996.
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James, Diana, " Commecial District at Nineteenth Avenue East and East Aloha Street on Seattle's Capitol Hill," 2002.
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