Last week we
had a look at one possible option for the mid-century addition to the downtown Frederick & Nelson (now Nordstrom) building. Here we have another idea from 1949, this time incorporat ing
more or the original classical elements.
Click for high res.
Architectural study of Frederick & Nelson department store addition. February 1949. Frederick & Nelson was originally built in 1916 in the terra cotta clad steel frame structure typical of
the sort done in Chicago at the turn of the century. It was later altered vertically and lost its original cornice. John Graham, Jr.
was assisted by the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in the redesign of the Frederick & Nelson department store starting in 1946.
John Graham, Jr. had taken over the firm upon his father’s retirement that same year.
During the remodel three storeys were added to the existing five-storey structure, shipping and receiving concourse was removed from the street level to basement, and new elevators and a natural day-like lighting system on the main floor was installed. Image courtesy U.W. University Libraries Digital Collection.
Echoing one of the comments on the earlier drawing, I like what they actually built better. The first drawing would have made Fredericks look like a larger version of the old I Magnin’s store across the street. This is just overdone, top heavy, whatever.
Agreed – but I am intrigued by what looks like a covered, roof-top vantage point.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.