| Historic Name: |
Beck, Nemias B., House #1 |
Common Name: |
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| Style: |
Arts & Crafts - Craftsman, Queen Anne - Shingle |
Neighborhood: |
University |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1907 |
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| Significance |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property is located in a potential historic districe (National and/or local). |
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Based on field work conducted in October 2014, this historic property retains its relationship to the streetscape, historic building form and a sufficient amount of exterior historic building fabric (design features, cladding and/or window sash/openings) to contribute to the distinct character of the University Park neighborhood.
This is one of the few Shingle style residences in the University District, sited on a large lot near Ravenna Park. It was built by Nemias B. Beck, who was likely related to William M. Beck, the developer of Ravenna Park. Nemias B. Beck was an insurance agent and real estate developer. He lived in this house from 1907 until 1912, and he built the adjacent house to the north in 1910.
It is a large single-family house that has been converted to a halfway house in recent years. Starting in about 1925, the house was owned by Philip MacBride, an attorney, and his wife Frances. The residence was used as a two-family residence in the 1930s and was converted to a rooming house in 1946. In 1952, it served as a guest house for older people, known as the Osborn Guest House. In 1968, it was owned by Dorwin Cook and operated as Cook's Nutrition Center. Later residents included Robert Rosse and John and Marilyn Gresseth. It was changed to a single family residence in 1984 and converted to a halfway house in 1994. At that time, it was operated by BLAADE - Black and Latino Alcohol and Drug Endeavor. It is now under ACE - A Cultural Experience.
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| Appearance |
| This is a relatively intact example of a Shingle style residence in the University District adjacent to Ravenna Park. A handicapped ramp has been added to the east elevation, and a second residential structure constructed to the south of this building on this large lot. The building has a distinctive bay window and tower on the north end of the east (main) elevation. It has a main side gable roof, with a cross gable on the east elevation and a gabled dormer. The large recessed porch with square columns on brick bases is a particularly attractive feature. The curved, recessed window surround above the main entrance is a characteristic of Shingle Style buildings. Most windows on the first floor are double-hung with leaded glass above. There is a curved bay window on the first floor on the south elevation.
The house originally had seven bedrooms and a play room. It has an exterior chimney on the south elevation. In addition to interior alterations, a small open porch was constructed in 1954, and three windows were installed in 1959. An exit and exterior stairway were added on the north elevation. At the time the halfway house began operating in the building (1994), a handicapped ramp, and other additions were made by Gleason and Associates, architects.
A garage, which is probably newer than the house, is located to the rear, southwest of the main house. |
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