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Overview

The notable Seattle architectural firm of Grant, Copeland and Chervenak designed this small, two-floor commercial building for the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' International Union, Local No. 2, in 1958-1959. Of reinforced concrete construction, the building featured four distinctly different facades that showcased the masonry and bricklaying skills of the union's members. Particularly interesting is the incised mural on the building's north-facing wall, depicting a mason and the tools of his trade, including a trowel and stylized square.

Building History

The Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' International Union, Local No. 2, purchased land on Fairview Avenue in 05/1958. The Seattle Daily Times reported on 05/18/1958 that the Bricklayers Benevolent Association had bought the property: "The union association's present quarters are in the proposed Civic Center area. E.J. Gill, secretary of the association, said plans call for some rental space in the building. Offstreet parking is also planned. The property, 120 feet square, had been held for $60,000. Negotiations were by Robert Eland and Henry Runkel." (See "Bricklayers' Union Buys Building Site," Seattle Daily Times, 05/18/1958, p. 34.)

The labor union and the Bricklayers' Beneficial Association commissioned the Seattle architectural firm of Grant, Copeland and Chervenak to design the new headquarters. Ross Copeland served as the architects' partner-in-charge. They worked with the Baugh Construction Company, building contractors. The interior had wall surfaces of brick, plaster and tile. According to an article in the Times of 11/08/1959, "The union will occupy the basement and the east side of the main floor. Corley Mortgage Co. will occupy the remainder of the main floor. The second floor will be for rent. Paved, off-street parking will be provided." (See "Handsome Building," Seattle Sunday Times, 11/08/1959, p. 35.)

Building Notes

The City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historical Sites Database said this of the Bricklayers' Building: "This building was designed by architect Grant Copeland [sic] in 1960. It is architecturally significant as an excellent example of Modernism and late International Style building in Seattle. The design is innovative and uses materials, particularly those related to the bricklayers’art, in a very original way. The exterior elevations actually showcase many of these materials and techniques. The fact that each elevation is distinct, and yet fits well as part of an interesting and harmonious whole, is also remarkable, particularly for a Modernist building which dates from 1960. The building also reminds us, once again, that Cascade was home to many people who were involved in the unions and that the area was associated with industry and the trades. It is a fitting symbol to the work of bricklayers’and to the history of the Cascade neighborhood, and is not easily replaceable." (See City of Seattle.gov, Seattle Historical Sites Summary for 318 Fairview AVE, accessed 07/02/2018.)