Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 1900 E Aloha ST E / Parcel ID 1338800075 / Inv # CH017

Historic Name: Lou Herron & Co. Cleaners Common Name: H2O Style: Commercial Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Built By: Year Built: 1930   Significance This modest building (1900 E Aloha St and 900 19th Ave E) is an intact example of a small commercial structure, similar to many that were built along streetcar routes. Nineteenth Avenue East at Aloha 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, which were across the street from this building. The small district expanded considerably in the 1920s, when this building was constructed. This structure reflects the changes in the neighborhood, as it is attached to a Classic Box house built in 1911. It was not unusual for homeowners along streetcar lines to construct an addition or otherwise convert their first floor to commercial space, either to operate their own business or to gain additional income. This building was a dry cleaners when it was first built. According to city directories, the house, built in 1900, contained a grocery store as well as a home.   Appearance This rectangular brick-clad building has a prominent corner entrance with double leaf wood-and-glass doors. The entry is flanked by large wood sash display windows with intact transoms. A similar display window is toward the north end of the west elevation, on 19th Avenue. The building's only ornament is a gabled parapet above the entry and a belt course of darker bricks above the windows.

Detail for 1900 E Aloha ST E / Parcel ID 1338800075 / Inv # CH017

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Unknown Building Type: Commercial/Trade - Specialty store Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one Unit Theme(s): Commerce, Community Planning/Development Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Intact Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Major Bibliographic References King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives. Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996. James, Diana, " Commecial District at Nineteenth Avenue East and East Aloha Street on Seattle's Capitol Hill," 2002.

Photo collection for 1900 E Aloha ST E / Parcel ID 1338800075 / Inv # CH017

Photo taken Jul 29, 2001