Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 5537 S Avon S / Parcel ID 3352401120 / Inv #

Historic Name: Hawkes House Common Name: Hawkes House Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: Rainier Beach Built By: Year Built: 1909   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. The Hawkes House was constructed about 1909. In January 1908, recent King County arrival Elisha Hawkes purchased two lots from land developer Clarence Hillman. Hillman was one of the largest land developers in the greater Seattle area during this period selling mainly to the city's 'workingmen.' Hawkes perhaps constructed the house, since he was a proficient millwright, cabinet maker, and carpenter. The house was probably completed by 1909 and Elisha and his wife Bertha took up residence. During the 20th century's second decade, carpentary work in Seattle did not have nearly the demand it did the previous decade. Elisha remained in the house until the end of World War I when the Hawkes moved out of town. During World War II Russell and Alene DeLappe and their adult child, Eiler, lived in the house. Russell was a driver for Alpine Dairy. This is one of the earliest houses in the far southeast portion of Seattle. The Hawkes House appears to meet City of Seattle Landmark criteria due to the age of the structure (over 90 years old) and minimal alterations.   Appearance The vernacular hip Hawkes House has a full width porch, a box bay window on first floor topped by a small second floor balcony. Small rear addition with shed roof. Exposed roof rafters.

Detail for 5537 S Avon S / Parcel ID 3352401120 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Shingle, Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Block Roof Type(s): Hip Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Rectangular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: two Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Plan: Slight Changes to Windows: Intact Major Bibliographic References City of Seattle DCLU Microfilm Records. King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives. Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996.

Photo collection for 5537 S Avon S / Parcel ID 3352401120 / Inv #

Photo taken Jan 05, 2005