Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 8520-8548 Greenwood AVE / Parcel ID 6431500360 / Inv # GR016

Historic Name: Holmes Building #2 Common Name: Greenwood Books Style: Spanish - Eclectic Neighborhood: Greenwood/Phinney Built By: Year Built: 1925   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. This building is a companion to the corner building just to the south. They were among several buildings constructed here by E. B. Holmes in the late 1920s. The structures are at the heart of the historic commercial district at Greenwood Avenue North and North 85th Street. This was the northern city limits until the 1950s, and became a crossroads for residents of Greenwood and the growing suburbs to the north. The Seattle streetcar ended at this intersection, so people going north would get off here and walk home, or transfer to the nearby interurban line; they could stop and shop here on the way. The northern portion of the building was constructed in 1925 and the southern half in 1928, the same year as the corner building. Although this structure is not as ornate as the neighboring building, it also has extraordinary terra cotta and is more intact. There have been a wide variety of small stores here over the years. In 1937 there was a Safeway. However, this intersection was a larger shopping center, and this elegant building catered to more specialized shopping needs, such as apparel and shoe stores, a jeweler, a variety store and numerous delis and restaurants.   Appearance This brick masonry building occupies most of the block, with 180 feet of frontage on Greenwood Avenue. The building is clad with dark brick with light colored tiles inset at regular intervals. At the center of the west façade is a tall gabled parapet with terra cotta coping and Moorish-inspired arch detailing with a medallion in the center of the parapet. The north end of the building has a tall straight parapet with a large finial and similar arches. The original suspended metal canopy remains. Most of the eight storefronts have intact elements, including wood doors, and sash and brick bulkheads. Some have newer doors or sash.

Detail for 8520-8548 Greenwood AVE / Parcel ID 6431500360 / Inv # GR016

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: L-Shape Structural System: Masonry - Unreinforced No. of Stories: one Unit Theme(s): Commerce Integrity Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Slight 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.

Photo collection for 8520-8548 Greenwood AVE / Parcel ID 6431500360 / Inv # GR016

Photo taken Feb 08, 2002 Photo taken Feb 08, 2002 Photo taken Feb 08, 2002