VintageSeattle.org » Historic Buildings -- High-Res Blog Visualizing The Emerald City's Past

Denny Hotel, Gone Too Soon

May 9th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 1 Comment » border

I first talked about the Denny Hotel about a year ago and have been meaning to return to it. This old Victorian hotel has always intrigued me, mostly because it had a pretty rocky existence. It was built in 1889 by developers including Arthur Denny but in-fighting and market woes kept it unfinished until 1903. That year (renamed the Washington Hotel) it had a remarkable guest in Teddy Roosevelt and enjoyed brief success before being torn down for the Denny Regrade in 1907 (see that old post). The hotel stood roughly where the Moore Theater is today. It’s a shame that such a majestic hotel had such bad luck.

The Denny/Washington Hotel. Built 1889, demolished 1907. “The scenic hotel of the world, and without question the best hotel west of New York. Elegantly furnished rooms. Over one hundred private baths. European or American plan. Headquarters for everybody.”

81 Years Of Fire Station No. 23

May 7th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | No Comments » border

Planned obsolescence be damned! The Central District’s Fire Station No. 23 had stood for more than 81 years serving the city in one way or another. Since the 1960’s, it has housed CAMP (the Central Area Motivation Program). I’ve come up empty handed trying to find background on the fire station itself. Anyone who can help? Meanwhile, check out these 1927 Municipal Archives photos, followed by my modern day shots.


Front view of Eighteenth Avenue Fire Station No. 23 at Cherry Street, 1927. Photograph courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives, Engineering Department Photographic Negatives.	Side view of Eighteenth Avenue Fire Station No. 23 at Cherry Street, 1927. Photograph courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives, Engineering Department Photographic Negatives.

Corresponding modern day photo of the side view.	Looking along the front of the fire house reveals that some windows have been bricked-in.

The doors are still painted “fire red.”	Showing nice door trim stonework.

Stepping back to the intersection for a wide angle view.	Alternate angle along Cherry. The tower has lost its original hipped roof.

Early U.W. Buildings, Where Are They Now?

May 6th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 2 Comments » border

I’m serving up two early photos from the University of Washington campus. First up, you’ll find the Chimes and Observatory. The chimes from the tower were a gift from A.J. Blethen (see his house here) and rang until the tower burned down in the late 1940’s. The 1895 built Observatory is still in use (see photo). Next up is Denny Hall, built in 1895 and site of the University’s first administration building. It is also still in use today (see photo). Click on the images for high-res copies.

Chimes and Observatory — U of W Campus — 1112

Looking West To Denny Hall — U.W. Campus — Seattle — 1114

First Hill’s Historic Marlborough House Pt. 2

April 30th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 1 Comment » border

Thanks for checking back in for Part 2 of my Marlborough House tour — now 83 condos from Live Historic with move-in expected this summer. If you missed Part 1, check it out for exterior photos. Onward! This Gothic revival style building was constructed in 1927 and was even once home to a member of the British royal family. Designed by architect Bertram Dudley Stuart, it was one of Seattle’s first high-rise apartment buildings. If you haven’t ever seen this towering piece of history, you do need to head to First Hill and have a look. The arched windows, elaborate terra cotta, golden brick, formal entry, and sheer size are worth taking in and appreciating. Oh, and if you end up buying the 2000+ square foot penthouse with the 900 square foot terrace — please invite Vintage Seattle to the first party up there. Please? Thanks to Kate Miller and Pat Foley of Live Historic for the tour.


Stepping into the formal entry, you’ll find original marble floors and detailed millwork.	The front windows bear the original Marlborough insignia.

Living room of a first floor studio.	Dining area of said studio.

Many parts of the building are still undergoing major renovations.	These photos give a glimpse of the various updates made through the years.

The top floor penthouse will keep this original mantle.	This ducting collects from all lower floors.

Another mantle and textured walls going through renovations.	This penthouse steps out onto a 900 square foot terrace.

The terrace has some pretty amazing city views.	Once the scaffolding goes away this area will surely host some high class dinner parties.

Down in the boiler room you can find a stove that was once used to power the steam radiators throughout the building. The radiators still work.	This ground level kitchen is a work in progress.

Just inside the entry are these original mailboxes.	The building elevators.

Another kitchen area being gutted.	Each door has an original piece.

First Hill’s Historic Marlborough House Pt. 1

April 29th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 2 Comments » border

A few months ago, while lamenting the loss of the Northcliffe Apartment Building, I spied construction equipment gathering around First Hill’s historic Marlborough House apartments. Come to find out, Live Historic purchased the property for a condo conversion. This was good news since my previous tours of the Queen’s Court and The Pittsburgh had revealed solid craftsmanship and sound preservation. Kate Miller and Pat Foley of Live Historic invited me out last week to walk through the current state of The Marlborough, which is now selling, and I jumped at the chance. Now for Part 1 of this feature I’ll concentrate on the condos for sale and the exterior while Part 2 has interior shots and building history. The Marlborough has now been converted into 83 condos (22 studio, 50 1BR, six 2BR, two 3BR, and two penthouses) ranging from 516 sq ft up to 2,184. You can expect to see pricing in the $225,000 to over 1 million — depending on square footage. Get a load of these exterior shots and look back tomorrow for interior shots and more on the building’s legacy. Click on the thumbnails for higher-res shots.


Vintage photograph of The Marlborough. Image courtesy Washington State Archives: Puget Sound Branch.	Similar framing today of the building. The ornate home on the right has become a parking lot.

“Marlborough House” etched in terra cotta above the main doorway.	The 1920’s Gothic revival building has many intricate architectural details.

Wide angle view of the building from across Boren.	Back of the building, with the original parking garage out of frame to the left.

Looking up at the side of this golden brick beauty.	Even the parking garage features these touches of terra cotta detail.

Trim around the front of the building.	Close-up of trim detail.

Back of the building, through the trees. Construction is expected to end in the summer.	Notice the difference in brick color due to the acid based power wash. Project managers think the brick had actually never been cleaned.

SLU’s 1114-1124 Republican Homes

April 23rd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 1 Comment » border

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.

George Carmack House Update

April 21st, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 3 Comments » border

For those of you who’ve been following our features on the historic George Carmack House located at 1522 E Jefferson (see the original post here, first floor photos here, and 2nd and 3rd floor photos here), I’ve got an interesting update on it. You may remember that we were speculating in the comments about how recently someone might have lived there. I fired off an e-mail to Sabey’s Jim Harmon and he was kind enough to provide some information about the last owner of the home. Check his reply below — really interesting!

Irena Jewdoschenko lived there until her death in late 2005 or so. She has an interesting story. Word is that she was brought to the US by the Sisters of Providence as a domestic worker. Soon after she arrived, they no longer had need for her. I think it was that she was to work in the dormitory and cafeteria of the Nursing School on campus in a building located on the corner of Cherry & 18th (since torn down by the Sisters). The Nursing School had been sold or transferred to Seattle University (Seattle College back then) I think around 1950 or so. The Sisters felt badly for Irena and she stayed with them on campus living in the bell tower for several years. Eventually Irena moved out and bought the house at 1522 East Jefferson along with a number of other parcels. I got the sense that she was the proverbial millionaire next door. However, she was fairly incoherent, at least near the end. Our folks started planning on the garage that is under construction back in 2003 or 2004. They met with Irena and her attorney to see about an easement to pin our east wall into the hillside under her house through an easement (later this was approved by Irena’s estate after her death). Apparently Irena was fairly out of it in the meeting until she asked to see the plans. Our guys knew something was up when she asked for the sectional drawings (a buzz word in the biz). After asking, we came to find out that she was an engineer by trade and seemed fairly talented. She asked good, insightful questions. After the guys got through the technical stuff, she seemed to wander back to her distant self. Upon leaving, she asked if she could keep the drawings to review later. She seemed to be a savant!

For years, head of security for the campus, first as an employee for the Sisters of Providence, then after 2000, of Swedish Hospital, kept a close eye on Irena and made sure she was OK. He was one of the few people she would allow into her life. She lived in a house of squalor even more “rugged” than what you show. She was an interesting woman with an interesting life story.

Jim Harmon
Via E-Mail
3/31/08

Inside the George Carmack House, living room looking into the dining room. Photo by Jess Cliffe.

Profile: Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant

April 17th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 3 Comments » border

Heading down Fairview Ave toward Lake Union you’ll find one of the city’s finest examples of industrial age architecture in the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant (now Public Storage). It was designed by architect John Graham Sr and constructed in 1913. Model T’s were assembled at the plant for years and in 1932 operations moved to another location in the city. In 1998, the building was designated a City Of Seattle Landmark. The elegant simplicity of the building reminds me of what Sabey is trying to do with the new Ice House Building in Georgetown. I think that with just a few more details near the top of the building, they could be there. Is it driving anyone else nuts how close they are to a modern day classic building? Anyway, here are the photos.


The front of the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant Complex along Fairview Ave.	The west face of the structure, built in 1913 and designed by architect John Graham Sr.

South face of the building with some old windows bricked in.	North face of the building.

Close-up showing brick still in great condition.	Close-up of North face.

The trim work on the building contrast the simplicity of the brick.	Looking up at brick and window detail.

Northwest edge of the building.	This photo is just here to show the female in the car. Nice feet!

Pioneer Square’s J&M Hotel Building

April 2nd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 5 Comments » border

I do love those late 1800’s-era brick buildings down in Pioneer Square. The J&M Hotel Building, located at 1st Ave and S Washington St., was built right after the fire in 1889 for around 20 grand, with the third floor being added on in the early 1900’s. Like most buildings that went up during this time period, it features brick walls and an inner timber structure. No way was this one going to burn down and thank goodness for that. It has been a continuously operating bar and card room since the early 1900’s. Thank goodness for that too. Click on the thumbnails for a closer look. So what’s your favorite Pioneer Square building?


The facade of the building along 1st Ave.	The side of the building at S Washington St.

J&M Hotel sign.	Street sign with building in the background.

Close-up of window detail.	J&M Cafe stained glass.

Pioneer Squre street lamps illuminate the scene.	Close-up of supporting column.

Showing the front streetscape.	Detail along the S Washington St side.

Sidewalk along S Washington St.	When the f-stop value is far too low.

Column detail with years of wear.	Front on view of the building facade.

Inside Historic 1522 E Jefferson Pt. 2

March 28th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 3 Comments » border

We’re rolling on with Part 2 of our look inside the historic 1522 E Jefferson Carmack House. If you haven’t yet, first check out the exterior shots I posted way back when, as well as Part 1 of the interior shots. A few people have asked what the current status of the property is. The last I heard (this was a few months ago) from someone at the home’s estate is that it will either be moved (the Oregon coast was the rumor at that point), preserved, or torn down. The whole block of homes was bought and torn down years ago to make way for a parking lot next to the Swedish Providence parking garage. This lot is now being built up as an addition to the parking garage. Knowing that Sabey might pay top dollar for this last remaining holdout property and that it was historic, the estate had the home up for sale in the million plus dollar range. From what I understand, it is still unsold. Let’s move on to Part 2 of the interior photographs. Click on the thumbnails for higher-res copies.


These stairs lead from the ground floor to the second floor.	Looking back down to the ground floor landing.

A bit of cracked molding.	The hardware on the second floor is less ornate than the first floor.

Second floor hallway and stairwell.	Opposite angle of the bannister.

The nails keeping the windows closed could not keep us from admiring this home.	The downtown Seattle skyline through window. This view is now a concrete wall, thanks to the new Swedish Providence parking garage addition.

One half of the master bedroom, along the front of the home.	The other half of the master bedroom, complete with bay window and archway.

The bay window detail.	Looks like Sheldon and I forgot to wipe our feet.

Typical of houses this age, even the heating vents are richly detailed.	Pieces of the plaster walls falling apart.

Second floor bathroom.	Toilet detail from the bathroom.

A second floor bedroom toward the back of the home.	Another smaller bedroom in the home. The mothballs provided the home’s fragrance.

Close-up of hardwood floor wear.	Door with a key still in the keyhole.

Many light fixtures have seen better days. Most still worked though.	You know how much I love the hardware.

Heading up the stairwell to the third floor.	This third floor room had magazines strewn about, many from the 1950’s and 1960’s. I noted one Time Magazine issue profiling Kennedy and Khrushchev.

More detail of a heating vent.	Wall and ceiling peeling away.

Wider angle view of the second floor bathroom.	Alternate angle of the second floor bedroom.

Window and wall detail.	Light coming through a second floor window.

More second floor door hardware.	Another view of a door with key.

Inside Historic 1522 E Jefferson Pt. 1

March 27th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 11 Comments » border

One of the very first historic Seattle homes I profiled (see that original post for exterior shots) here at Vintage Seattle was 1522 E. Jefferson. I was interested in this property for a number of reasons. First of all, it was right across the street from my house. I saw it every day, glaring with neglect and some amazing potential bubbling from under the surface. The other reason was that the home is historically significant — it was once home to George Carmack, one of the fathers of the Klondike Gold Rush. The exterior was so intriguing that Vintage Seattle reader Daniel Sheldon and I recently saddled up to gain access to the home. It smelled of mothballs, looked like the set of a horror film, and was a really interesting time capsule. You can see just how great this home once was, with alterations being few and far between. Have a look for yourself. I’ve got more photos, so I’m breaking this into Part 1 today showing the first floor. Check out Part 2 for more photos of the second and third floors. Click on the thumbnails for higher-res versions.


This stairwell and millwork are revealed as you enter the home.	The view from the front living area. Notice the fireplace detail.

Close-up of the incredible hardware.	Paint chips away from the molding. MDF, this is not.

The formal dining room, looking toward the back of the home.	Opposite angle of the dining room, looking toward the front of the home. Interesting place for a toilet.

Dining room light fixture.	The pocket doors leading to the dining room are in remarkably good shape.

This room was either used as an eating area or family room.	Among the kitchen’s built-in cabinets is this later-era sink.

Close-up of the kitchen sink.	A peek inside the kitchen drawers.

This large piano sits in the front living room.	Some keys are permanently depressed.

The front reception area showing mill work, looking into the living area.	Opposite angle of the room outside the small kitchen.

12-over-1 double hung sash in late day light.	The first floor hardwoods.

Light filters in through the front door.	A few stained-glass windows decorate the ground floor.

Another look at the trim from the kitchen doorway.	Close-up of kitchen light fixture.

Van Vorst Building “Renovated”

March 20th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 6 Comments » border

We’ve seen it recently with E Pine on Capitol Hill. Now we can also watch as the older buildings giving South Lake Union its industrial soul slowly disappear. Last month I updated on the C.B. Van Vorst Building’s “new life,” but that new life won’t be much like the old life apparently. Check out these photos sent in by VS reader John Methot, who works across the street from the Van Vorst. Mike Nelson, senior vice president and investment director at developer Schnitzer Northwest was quoted as saying “One of our challenges was how to incorporate that historic landmark into a biotech project in a meaningful way that would give it new life.” Give me a break. Looks like the challenges were too much for them, since they’re going all “Burke Building” on us, saving only the front face. Thanks to John Methot for sending in the photos.

What remains of the south and east faces of the Van Vorst Building? Only Nelson. Photograph courtesy John Methot.

The building to the north of the Van Vorst has already been demolished. Photograph courtesy John Methot.

The wood-frame Seattle Glass Company building has also bitten the dust. Photograph courtesy John Methot.

Alternate angle of the building destruction. Photograph courtesy John Methot.

Marlborough Getting Live Historic Treatment

March 6th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 4 Comments » border

With First Hill recently losing the Northcliffe Apartments, I was anticipating another landmark standoff when I saw construction equipment around the historic Marlborough building just a block away. When I noticed the Live Historic banners yesterday as I drove down Boren, there was a sigh of relief. Sure enough, a quick look at their website reveals the plans for 83 condos. In this market, you ask? Suppose so. I’m going to get in touch with the Live Historic people and see about a tour of the building. Here’s a shot of The Marlborough from 1928. Awesome building and I’m glad it’s being renovated — but I’m also curious about what’s being taken out of there.

Marlborough Apartments during renovation, 2008.

Northcliffe Apartments Destroyed

February 26th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 3 Comments » border

Your daily commute down Boren Ave just got a little emptier. Holly Birge sent in this depressing camera phone photograph and word that the Northcliffe Apartment Building is indeed gone — destroyed. I profiled the Northcliffe here last month. The large brick apartment building loomed over boren for over 80 years and will now be replaced with a Virginia Mason hospital wing. Thanks to Holly for sending in the photograph, as sad as it is.

Where the Northcliffe Apartment building used to stand, Boren & Seneca. Photograph courtesy Holly Birge.

1908 Queen Anne Craftsman Fixer Selling

February 26th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 5 Comments » border

“Cranky” Kate Forneigh alerted me to the existence of this Queen Anne Craftsman in need a craftsman. The 1908 fixer-upper at 1108 West Blaine is selling for a cool $539,950. Yes, half a million for a house in *this* condition. It’s Queen Anne — don’t go expecting something reasonable now. It is (or once was) a great Craftsman with solid bones needing a complete overhaul. Up for the job? See the listing and get your tools ready. Check out my photos below and thanks to Kate for the heads up on the house.


With just a quick read on the house, you can tell it needs a lot of work.	The view of the back section of the home from the alley.

The front yard is located directly above the detached garage.	It is very likely that this front porch was enclosed as an addition at some point.

Box beam ceiling, built-in cabinets, stained molding — all of the Craftsman hallmarks are here.	The kitchen is very dated and could use a complete remodel.

Opposite angle of the living and dining area. The fireplace has potential, though the wood paneling and ceiling tiles could stand to be cut.	A peak inside the bathroom reveals some 1970’s fashions waiting for a craftsman.

Historic Buildings Archive