| Historic Name: |
Hunt Transfer Company |
Common Name: |
12th & Madison Self-Storage |
| Style: |
Commercial - Chicago School |
Neighborhood: |
First Hill |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1910 |
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| Significance |
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This five-story building is a major presence at the corner of 12th and Madison. Built in 1910, it is an early example of reinforced concrete construction; reinforced concrete came into use in this area about 1906. This building is unusual for its size, and is the largest warehouse in the area. Madison Street was one of Seattle's first long through streets, and a number of warehouses located in this vicinity. At the time this large building was constructed it was surrounded by small wooden buildings. It was owned by the Hunt Transfer Company of Portland from 1958 until being purchased by REI in 1971. REI is a recreational equipment cooperative that owned several building nearby. In the 1990s REI moved out of the area and this warehouse was purchased by Seattle University, located adjacent to the west and south. It is currently a mini-storage facility.
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| Appearance |
| The five-story warehouse structure, located on Tax Lot 2) is of reinforced concrete clad with brick, painted a light cream color. The building is basically a massive rectangle, with 195 of frontage on 12th Avenue. The north facade on Madison Street is angled to accommodate the diagonal street; the building corner at 12th and Madison is rounded. The only ornamentation is a decorative brick cornice and simple pilasters running from the first foor to the cornice. The upper floors had few windows, with relatively small double-hung sash placed singly in several bays on each elevation; all of these windows have been filled in. The first floor is more intact, with wood sash with transoms. The main entry is in an archway at the corner; this is currently marked by large clock. On the roof, toward the south, is a large structure that may be a penthouse for the elevator equipment. |
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