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Summary for 4538 University WAY / Parcel ID 8816400180 / Inv # UD006

Historic Name: Robbins Building Common Name:
Style: Commercial Neighborhood: University
Built By: Henry Bittman, architect Year Built: 1927
 
Significance
The Robbins Building (originally the Enrose Building according to the architectural plans) was designed by the architect Henry Bittman in 1927 for E. Rosenberg. From 1951-1986 this building was occupied by Miller Pollard Associates, which specialized in home furnishings and relocated to the University Village. Henry Bittman came to Seattle in 1906 to practice with the architect William Kingsley. In 1910, Bittman established his own architectural firm, Bittman Architects/Engineers, with designer draftsman Harold Adams. Bittman was a flamboyant and dapper dresser, known for his winged collar and bow tie. His most notable buildings were the terracotta clad and decorated buildings of the 1920’s. He specialized in urban architecture using strong vertical lines, heavy storefronts, with not too substantial cornices. He contributed to over 250 projects throughout Washington and Alaska.
 
Appearance
The Robbins building is a one-story commercial structure with one-story enframed window walls. Floriated trim surrounds the enframed three segment storefront. The exterior is cast stone with terra cotta trim. The cornice is bracketed with oval decorations between the brackets. The transom windows are intact, but the doors and storefront windows have been replaced.

Detail for 4538 University WAY / Parcel ID 8816400180 / Inv # UD006

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Stone Foundation(s): Concrete - Block
Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Other
Building Type: Commercial/Trade - Specialty store Plan: Rectangular
Structural System: Concrete - Poured No. of Stories: one
Unit Theme(s): Commerce
Integrity
Changes to Plan: Intact
Changes to Windows: Intact
Changes to Original Cladding: Intact
Storefront: 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.
Ochsner, Jeffrey Karl, ed. Shaping Seattle Architecture, A Historical Guide to the Architects. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1994.

Photo collection for 4538 University WAY / Parcel ID 8816400180 / Inv # UD006


Photo taken Oct 02, 2001
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