It’s
Reframe time once again.
Today we’ve got 3x the pleasure with Beacon Hill’s Fire Station #13 — twice in 1928 and the modern day shot.
This is one beauty that still looks to be in good shape.
Haven’t been able to find out much history on the building (feel free to fill in the blanks in the comments) but the 1920′s look right for the build date.
Click below for the high res and
click here for the modern view.
Beacon Hill Fire Station No.
13, Spokane and Beacon. May 31, 1928. Photograph courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives.
Alternate shot of Beacon Hill Fire Station No. 13 with fire engine parked in front, Spokane and Beacon. May 31, 1928. Photograph courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives.
Modern day street view of Beacon Hill Fire Station No. 13 courtesy Google Maps. [
click here]
I think it was built the same year the picture was taken judging by the lack of landscape.
Hmm. These days there is no Station 15. Rather, this is Station 13. According to that link, the original Station 13 was at 14th & Massachusetts from 1904-1928. And according to this photo, Engine House 15 was at Minor & Virginia in Cascade (possibly where the City’s vehicle electronics shop is now). The Landmark Nomination Report for this building says that it was designed as a “Standard Two Company Fire Station”—so perhaps the two engine companies were consolidated under the 13 banner when the new building opened?
Regardless of the number, Colin is right that it was built in 1928. It was expanded in 1987 (the extension is hidden behind the tree on the left), and it is about to undergo another renovation for seismic and safety upgrades.
Actually, this is station #13, home of engine 13. It was built in 1928, and replaced a 2 story wood frame station at 14th S. and S. Massachusetts st. The latter is still standing (!) although it was converted into an apartment house, but stands out because of it’s size and design.
Yeah, looks like the SMA photos are simply mislabeled. Station 15 was at 1933 Minor Ave (now the Dept of Information Technology Communications Shop) until 1972 when it closed to help pay for a 3.5% wage increase for city employees.
From the Seattle Daily Times, June 17, 1928 (via genealogybank.com):
“New Fire Station Is Opened”
Designed by Frank L. Baker, city architect, and built by the Commercial Construction Company under the supervision of Thomas Irving, city construction superintendent, the Beacon Hill fire station No. 13, has just been completed at a cost of $23,000. A similar station has just been built at Green Lake. The attractive type of architecture appeals to community interest and sustains values, Mr. Baker points out.
P.S. That article also includes a photo, which is definitely the same building.
I grew up on Beacon Hill and as others have said, this is definitely Station 13 at the north end of Jefferson Park.
I’ve corrected the post.
I think you would probably like this Beacon Hill Blog post from last fall, since it shows the previous Station 13.