| Historic Name: |
Pacific Architect & Builder |
Common Name: |
United Indians of All Tribes |
| Style: |
Modern - Northwest Regional |
Neighborhood: |
Eastlake |
| Built By: |
A.O. Bumgardner & Partners |
Year Built: |
1960 |
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| Significance |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. |
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This building is a significant and unusual example of Seattle mid-century Modernism. Its accommodation to a difficult ravine site, its unusual use of concrete for the roof and the extensive use of glass and cedar are distinctive elements. The building was originally the offices of a regional architecture magazine, Pacific Architect & Builder. It is currently the offices of its owner, the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, an organization that provides social and educational services for Native Americans in the Seattle area.
Al Bumgardner opened an independent architectural practice in Seattle in 1953, specializing in modern residences. He was an editorial consultant for Pacific Architect & Builder magazine when he received the commission to design their new office and printing facility. One of his early partners, Al Dryer, is credited with this design. The firm eventually expanded into the Bungardner Partnership, taking on such major projects as the University of Washington South Campus Center and Market Place North condominiums at Pike Place Market.
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| Appearance |
| This building has three floors, each of which originally housed a different activity: the office on the upper floor, printing below, and an open garage at the lowest level. The structure is of concrete, with a concrete roof in the shape of a hyperbolic parabaloid, allowing large unobstructed floorplates. At the south end, an exterior stairway of concrete rises to the cedar entry pavilion; a ramp extends form the sidewalk on the east elevation, bridging the dramatic slope. Clerestory windows rise to the eaves of the hyperbolic parabaloid roof, a series of vee shapes; this provides light to the interior. Large aluminum-framed ribbon windows extend along the longer elevation. Between these windows and the clerestories is a band of light yellow metal panel covered with glass. In contrast to the lightness of the main section, the northern section of the building is solid concrete block, with few windows, a flat roof and a second exterior stairway going to a simple entry door. The property is located on Tax Lot 33. |
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