| Historic Name: |
Brattain Building |
Common Name: |
Brattain Building |
| Style: |
Commercial |
Neighborhood: |
Greenwood/Phinney |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1929 |
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| Significance |
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This is one of four buildings which anchor this historically important intersection. Until the 1950s, 85th Street was the northern city limits of Seattle and the end of the Seattle streetcar line. Greenwood Avenue was a major street, connecting to Snohomish County and The Highlands development. It was here that people living to the north would disembark either to walk to their homes or o transfer to the interurban line a few blocks away. Accordingly, during the 1920s, the intersection was marked with several substantial buildings. This structure's solid massing and simplicity continue to lend presence to the corner, despite storefront alterations.
The Brattain Building was constructed in 1929, and in the 1930s was owned by Bessie B. Brattain and occupied by Brattain's Pharmacy and several residential tenants. It continued to be a drugstore for many years, and was known as Brown's Bi-Rite Drug Store in the 1950s-60s. It also housed an Ernst Hardware Store , a furniture store and a restaurant during this period. In approximately 1961 the building was remodeled to increase the number of apartments from 14 to 18 and to add several small offices. It may have been at this time that the storefronts were modernized.
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| Appearance |
| This prominent concrete building, located on Tax Lot 64, has a two-story section at the corner with a one-story section extending halfway down the block on Greenwood. The main portion has a prominent modillion cornice. The primary entry is at the corner, and is framed by cast-concrete twisted columns, as are the door and window bays throughout. An arched entry on the Greenwood elevation leads upstairs. The second floor windows have been replaced with 1/1 dark aluminum sash. Most of the storefronts have their original configuration, but steel-and-glass doors and steel sash have been added. The original transoms appear to be intact, covered by wooden panels. |
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