| Historic Name: |
Western Pacific Chemical Company |
Common Name: |
Superior Embroidery/McNamara Signs |
| Style: |
Art Deco - Streamline Moderne |
Neighborhood: |
Ballard Interbay Manufacturing Industrial Center |
| Built By: |
John I. Mattson |
Year Built: |
1940 |
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| Significance |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. |
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This building was constructed in 1940 as the Western Pacific Chemical Company. Over the next thirty years it housed several chemical manufacturers, some of which were connected to each other. The companies included Dermetics, Kirkman Pharmacal Company, Runnels and Professional Products, all of which appear to have been manufacturers of toilet cleaning preparations. In the 1970s Modern Products, a silk screening company, occupied the building. The current occupants are also involved in silk screening, sign manufacturing and industrial embroidery.
In the 1990s, the building was determined eligible for listing in the National Register, as an example of the Art Moderne style. Elements of the style found here include a tall pylon with vertical windows and the banks of glass block and metal industrial sash. A major addition is being constructed at the rear; however, it appears to be compatible with the original building.
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| Appearance |
| This is a one-story stucco-clad structure with a second story on the rear half of the structure. A three-story addition is being built at the back. The most notable feature is a two-story tower with vertical windows and fluting. The front and side elevations have industrial metal sash with three large sections of glass block near the entries. The second floor has similar sash. A horizontal band, painted navy blue, runs above the windows. The sash appear to be replacements, similar to the original but with slightly larger panes. One entry is toward the south end of the west elevation wth conscrete stairs and a stoop covered by a small canopy. The southwest building corner is curved, with glass block. Another entry is to the north on ehte same elevation, with concrete steps and a steel pipe railing. |
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