SLU’s 1114-1124 Republican Homes

April 23rd, 2008 @ 12:29 am by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings |

Jonathan Hanlon wrote in today inquiring about the four early 20th century homes on Republican St in South Lake Union. It just so happens that I’ve had my eye on these for quite some time, having been a SLU resident before. These four homes are nearly all that is left of the original Cascade Neighborhood early dwellings (there are a few others peppered around the area, but not consecutive). The Department Of Neighborhoods has a very in-depth writeup on the houses, two of which date to 1900 and the other two to 1905. One of the most striking things you’ll notice about theses homes is their sunken lots, having been victims of the Denny Regrade. The DON article also mentions that Troy Laundry workers were once housed here (see my Troy Laundry feature here — see how everything is fitting together?). Read Jonathan’s note below and my photos even lower. I promise we’ll give SLU a rest for at least a little while — it’s off to First Hill tomorrow morning for a tour of the Marlborough.

I have been enjoying your site for some time now. I especially like the reoccurring history of the house on E Jefferson. The articles and photos piqued my curiosity on a few old homes here in the Old Cascade neighborhood. There are two houses on Republican Street between Minor Ave E and Pontius Ave E between the new AMLI at 535 apartment building and an old brick apartment building. Just by looking at them, I would guess the houses have been there since at least the beginning of the 20th century, if not sooner. In front of one is a towering pine tree that I would guess was planted by Arthur Denny himself. I kid but it looks very impressive in size and stature. I am wondering if you would be able to do some history on them. It would definitely be an interesting read.

Jonathan Hanlon
Via E-Mail
4/22/08

1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union. Photographs by Jess Cliffe.	1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.
1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.	1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.
1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.	1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.
1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.	1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.
1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.	1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.
1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.	1114-1124 Republican St homes in South Lake Union.

3 Responses to “SLU’s 1114-1124 Republican Homes”

1. cc says:

   April 27, 2008 at 9:54 am

   I think Jonathan is actually asking about 1206 and 1210 Republican — these two houses are 10-15 years older than the four above and are in rough shape.
2. Ian says:

   January 12, 2009 at 2:04 pm

   I don’t understand the number of these houses. I live at 1172 Republican, a block to the east of these 3 dilapidated houses. I’m glad to see the people living in these houses have tried to do something with them via gardening and such, but still, they are extremely run down. Anyway, who came up with the numbering system? And how can 2 different blocks both be in the 1100s?
3. Alissa says:

   April 16, 2009 at 1:23 am

   I came across this site while I was trying to get the address for Optechs Camera across the street right after I had moved into 1124 Republican (the large brown one on the corner). The houses may be a little run down on the outside, but have so much vintage charm on the inside. Being a student but wanting to live in the city, I feel like I have found a little treasure. The houses are their own little community of people, a real neighborhood. I hope I have at least a year or two until they are gone and replaced by generic condos and coffee shops…