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Summary for 1924 N 45th ST N / Parcel ID 4083802785 / Inv # WA005

Historic Name: Ernst Hardware Common Name: Nickola's Restaurant
Style: Spanish - Mediterranean Neighborhood: Wallingford
Built By: Year Built: 1927
 
Significance
In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance.
This small building features perhaps the most ornate terra cotta work of any Seattle neighborhood structure. The polychrome terra cotta ornament and highly decorative canopy give it a unique presence in the Wallingford commercial district. North 45th Street through Wallingford is one of the most intact of the city's numerous streetcar commercial districts, and this is one of its most unique features. The building was once Ernst Hardware store and has housed a variety of small businesses and restaurants since they moved into larger quarters.
 
Appearance
This one-story building is clad in terra cotta tiles with a pattern of blue and white circles, alternating with terra cotta modillions below the cornice. The original suspended metal canopy has similar blue-and-white ornamentation. The colorful tiles give it a Mediterranean-influenced appearance. The center entry has modern glass-and-steel doors, but the storefront otherwise appears original, with large display windows. The small-pane transom windows above the canopy remain intact. A neon sign saying "Nickola's" sits on the canopy. The original red tile roofing has been replaced by composition shingles.

Detail for 1924 N 45th ST N / Parcel ID 4083802785 / Inv # WA005

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Brick, Terra cotta Foundation(s): Concrete - Block
Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition
Building Type: Commercial/Trade - Specialty store Plan: Rectangular
Structural System: Concrete - Block No. of Stories: one
Unit Theme(s): Community Planning/Development
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 1924 N 45th ST N / Parcel ID 4083802785 / Inv # WA005


Photo taken Sep 18, 2001
App v2.0.1.0