AKA: Louisiana Pacific Company, Factory, South Lake Union, Seattle, WA ; Wescor Graphics, Offices, South Lake Union, Seattle, WA

Structure Type: built works - industrial buildings - warehouses; built works - infrastructure - transportation structures

Designers: Hancock, Otis E., and Associates, Architects (firm); Otis E. Hancock (architect)

Dates: constructed 1950-1951

1 story, total floor area: 6,480 sq. ft.

The Western Union Telegraph Company, formed in 1849 and then known as the New York State Printing Telegraph Company, brought telegraph service to Seattle, WA, in 1870. This building, built long after telegraphy had been superseded by radio and telephone, still housed company service trucks in 1951. Western Union operated at this address from 1951 until approximately 1966 or 1967. At this time, the company transferred its plant and engineering operations to another location at 3663 1st Avenue South in Seattle. Prior to 1951, Western Union maintained this branch of its Seattle operations at 619 Western Avenue. Later occupants included: the Seattle Rubber Plate Company (1968-c.1980); the Louisiana Pacific Corporation (1981-1990); Wescor Graphics (1990-c. 2004); Barking Lounge Dog Kennel (2004-present). (See: BOLA Architects, "Landmark Nomination 500 Dexter Avenue North Seattle," http://www.cityofseattle.net/neighborhoods/preservation/documents/LPBCurrentNom_500DexterNom.pdf. Accessed 12/07/2009)

This rectangular building measured 60 feet by 108 feet (each dimension broken into 4 and 6 bays), and was covered by 5 wood bowstring trusses manufactured in Portland, OR, by the Associated Wood Products Company of the Northwest. Walls were concrete and the roof was supported by concrete supports.

According to the Landmark Nomination form prepared by BOLA Architects of 08/2009, the following building alterations were listed at the City of Seattle, Department of Planning and Development: 1951: Garage & Maintenance shop building for Western Union Telegraph Company; 1981: Louisiana Pacific Company altered the building for use as rubber stamp manufacturer; 1990: Non-structural interior alterations to print shop by tenant, Wescor Graphics; [n.d.]: Wescor Graphics added three rooftop exhaust fans; 2004: Change of use from light manufacturing to dog kennel; the Barking Lounge Demolished non-structural interior walls and altered some existing spaces; this work was supervised by Place Architects; 2005: The Barking Lounge had the building's exterior painted c. 2005. (See: BOLA Architects, "Landmark Nomination 500 Dexter Avenue North Seattle," http://www.cityofseattle.net/neighborhoods/preservation/documents/LPBCurrentNom_500DexterNom.pdf. Accessed 12/07/2009)