| Historic Name: |
E. B. Holmes Building |
Common Name: |
Washington Mutual Bank |
| Style: |
Spanish - Mediterranean |
Neighborhood: |
Greenwood/Phinney |
| Built By: |
unknown |
Year Built: |
1928 |
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| Significance |
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This extraordinary building is at the heart of the historic commercial district at Greenwood Avenue and North 85th Street. This was the northern city limits of Seattle until the 1950s, and was a crossroads for residents of both Greenwood and the growing suburbs to the north. The Seattle streetcar ended at this intersection, so people going north would leave here and walk home, or perhaps transfer to the nearby interurban line. This structure's grandeur reflects the importance of its location. The building was built in 1928 by E. B. Holmes. As it was outside the city limits, there was no building permit and the architect is unknown. It was one of several buildings constructed on the same parcel within a few years. The building to the north, with ornamentation similar to this one, is recorded on a separate form. Other structures, to the east and northeast, have been demolished.
As befits its location, this corner has usually been occupied by a bank--originally the National Bank of Commerce and now Washington Mutual Bank. Bartell Drugs and a clothing store have also been here. Despite the first floor alterations, it is an important component of the district's historic character.
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| Appearance |
| This building's prominent corner storefront, now a Washington Mutual Bank branch, has extraordinary Moorish-influenced terra cotta ornamentation on the second floor. The stepped parapet has terra cotta coping, prominent rounded pilasters at the corner and a cornice with arched detailing. The center of the parapet, on the Greenwood (west) side, is filled with Moorish arches, with the words "Holmes Block." The 85th Street side is more simple, with the same cornice and small windows surrounded with terra cotta tile. The windows on this floor are original tripartite wood sash with transoms. The first floor, however, was significantly altered with new windows and doors. |
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