Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 3261 Fuhrman AVE / Parcel ID 1959703190 / Inv #

Historic Name: Portage Bay Plaza Common Name: Portage Bay Plaza Style: Modern Neighborhood: Eastlake Built By: Year Built: 1952   Significance This post-World war II apartment building is interesting for its siting with a rockery high above a corner and its curving irregular plan that steps each unit back to provide increased privacy and views. It was designed in 1952 by architect S. G. Morrison for owner Archie Iverson. It has nine units averaging 750 square feet. The 1950s was a period of very strong growth for both single-family neighborhoods and apartments in Seattle and the surrounding suburbs. After stagnant growth in the Depression years of the 1930s, Seattle's population increased sharply due to World War II and post-war industrial activities. From approximately 368,000 in 1940 the population grew to 465,000 in 1950 and to 550,000 in 1960. To meet this need, small apartment buildings like this one appeared in locations where they had not been seen before and multifamily areas saw larger buildings. Areas near the University of Washington were particularly affected, as more students than every before, many with families, enrolled in colleges.   Appearance This two-story building is on a corner site, curving around a lawn above a rockery. There is a partial lower level. The irregular plan allows the units to step back and around the lawn, so that each one has a view out while minimizing views of neighboring units. It ahs a flat roof with deep eaves, Roman brick veneer, and aluminum framed windows (which may have been replaced. Each unit has a deck and sliding glass doors; the balconies have narrow wood railings, which give a much lighter appearance than the original solid wood railings. Units are accessed by open exterior staircases.

Detail for 3261 Fuhrman AVE / Parcel ID 1959703190 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Brick - Roman Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured Roof Type(s): Flat with Eaves Roof Material(s): Unknown Building Type: Domestic - Multiple Family Plan: Irregular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: two Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Original Cladding: Intact Changes to Plan: Intact Changes to Windows: Slight Other: Moderate Major Bibliographic References King County Tax Assessor Records, ca. 1932-1972. City of Seattle, Department of Planning and Development, Microfilm Records.

Photo collection for 3261 Fuhrman AVE / Parcel ID 1959703190 / Inv #

Photo taken Jun 22, 2006 Photo taken Jun 22, 2006