Don Duncan had a nice recap of the nearly century old Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, written in scrapbook form for his late grandmother who had seen it herself. We’re getting close now to that anniversary. Here are a couple photos of the Foreign Building and Mines Building. Click for high res.

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Detail of Foreign Building, Howard and Galloway, Architects, Schock and Huntington, Associate Architects. Detail of Mines Building, Howard and Galloway, Architects. Photos by F.H. Nowell. The Western Architect, July 1909.

Today we are marching on with Part 2 of our Forgotten Capitol Hill Mansion feature. If you missed yesterday’s Part 1, click here. The owner estimates that it will take 6 months to make this 1926 North Capitol Hill Mediterranean Revival mansion livable. That would include repairing the roof, removing overgrowth vegetation touching the house, repairing windows and leaks, new boiler, kitchen work, bathroom work and paint. Other changes will come in time, but he stressed to me that every effort will be made to retain the restore the original features. The first owner of the home was said to be a rum-runner during prohibition — though that is just a rumor. Fueling the rumor, though, is an 8′ x 10′ room in the basement of the home — to get access you have to step through a vault door hidden in a linen closet. As for how this incredible place lay dormant for so long, the owner relayed this information: If you or anyone you know has additional information pertaining to the history of this mansion, please stop by the comments or e-mail me. We’d love to hear from you. Big thanks once again to the Vintage Seattle reader who is fortunate enough to own this piece of Seattle history and who kindly showed us around. We look forward to heading back once it’s been restored and sharing more photos. But for now, check out the rest of the current batch. Click on the thumbnails for higher res versions.

[See also: Forgotten Capitol Hill Mansion Pt. 1]

Fountain through arches.	Alternate angle.
Fountain from above.	Close-up of water and fountain.
Balcony and supports.	Adjacent patio area.
Heading up the stairs to the second floor.	Light fixture at top of staircase, peeling paint.
Master bedroom.	Reading room off of master.
Master bedroom french doors.	The view from the balcony, looking out toward Husky Stadium.
The wood floors are original and in good condition.	Crown molding detail.
Looking outside.	Alternate angle.
This basement area is thought to have once housed a bowling alley.	Basement area light fixture.
Formal dining room light fixture.	One more shot of that colorful tile.
Front door hardware.	Front door.

A Vintage Seattle Blog reader sent me a hot tip 2 weeks ago about a historic (and forgotten) 1926 North Capitol Hill Mediterranean Revival mansion he was about to start restoring. The 4 bed, 4 bath, 7000 square foot residence had been abandoned for the past 20 years. I was told that it was amazingly intact, with all fixtures, quite a bit of cosmetic damage, and that I had to see it. So that’s just what I did. Came away with so many good photos from this hidden gem that I’ve had to split it into 2 parts. Click back tomorrow for more. It’s hard to believe that this home has been sitting around abandoned for so long — right in the middle of Capitol Hill. Huge thanks to the house’s new owner for giving Vintage Seattle a tour and restoring this baby to its former glory. Click here to view Part 2 photos.

1930′s tax record.	1930′s tax photo.
The mansion as it appears today.	The staircase as you enter the home.
Alternate angle, staircase and front door.	Close-up of intricate millwork.
Front entry light fixture.	Just off the entry, main living room.
Reading/sun room off living room.	Just about everything in this scene is original to the home.
1920′s era light fixture.	Window detail.
Built-in bookcase and molding.	Paint peeling from wall.