Summary for 4329 University WAY / Parcel ID 1142000145 / Inv # UD007 |
| Historic Name: |
Meister Building |
Common Name: |
Varsity Theatre |
| Style: |
Commercial |
Neighborhood: |
University |
| Built By: |
William White (1921), Bjarne Moe (1940), architects |
Year Built: |
1921 |
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| Significance |
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The architect William White designed the Meister Building in 1921 for building owner Roy E. Meister. In a subsequent remodel by architect Bjarne Moe in 1940, the building was converted into what is now known as the Varsity Theatre. Before it was converted into a theatre it was home to a variety of grocery stores owned by the Peha family, a family who also owned a shoe repair shop on the 4200 block.
Wlliam P. White practiced in Seattle from 1902-1922 and designed many hotel and apartment buildings including the Kinnear Apartments, the Astor Hotel, and the Calhoun Hotel.
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| Appearance |
| The Varsity Theatre/Meister Building was originally a one story commercial structure with cast stone and stucco cladding that was converted to a theatre with an added two stories. The original cornice and pediment of the Meister Building remain intact, with the addition’s façade above reflecting the line of the original pediment. The storefront has been slightly altered since the theatre remodel. There have been extensive interior alterations. |
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Detail for 4329 University WAY / Parcel ID 1142000145 / Inv # UD007 |
| Status: |
Yes - Inventory |
| Classication: |
Building |
District Status: |
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| Cladding(s): |
Stone, Terra cotta |
Foundation(s): |
Concrete - Block |
| Roof Type(s): |
Flat |
Roof Material(s): |
Asphalt/Composition |
| Building Type: |
Recreation and Culture - Theater |
Plan: |
Rectangular |
| Structural System: |
Masonry - Unreinforced |
No. of Stories: |
one |
| Unit Theme(s): |
Entertainment/Recreation |
| Integrity |
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Changes to Plan: |
Intact |
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Changes to Windows: |
Intact |
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Changes to Original Cladding: |
Intact |
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Storefront: |
Slight |
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| Major Bibliographic References |
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City of Seattle DCLU Microfilm Records.
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King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.
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Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996.
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Ochsner, Jeffrey Karl, ed. Shaping Seattle Architecture, A Historical Guide to the Architects. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1994.
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Photo collection for 4329 University WAY / Parcel ID 1142000145 / Inv # UD007 |
Photo taken Oct 02, 2001
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