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Building History

Architect Daniel R. Huntington (1871-1962) designed the Northcliffe Apartments c. 1923; building contractor John S. Hudson erected the apartment which had 50 units originally. According to an article in the Seattle Daily Times of In 05/10/1925, construction was set to be completed by 07/15/1925. The article stated of the new building: "The Northcliffe, being erected by John S. Hudson, is a modern structure of old English design. It is six stories high and will contain fifty three-room apartments with unusually large dressing rooms and closets. On of the features of the building will be the dining room service." (See "Real Estate Leased by V.F. Pavey," Seattle Daily Times, 05/10/1925, p. 30.) When it opened, the operator of the posh Sorrento Hotel in Seattle, WA, V.F. Pavey, also leased the Northcliffe building for five years for use as another hotel. He spent approximately $200,000 on this five-year arrangement.

Building Notes

The Northcliffe Apartments was one of many apartment buildings erected in the First Hill Neighborhood of Seattle during the 1900-1930 period to cater to white-collar professionals working Downtown or in hospitals clustered in the area. The Tudor Revival parapeted gables were the most notable decorative features of this block, particularly one that was half-timbered. When considered for inclusion on the list of Seattle Historic Landmarks, the Northcliffe Apartments was not deemed important enough to save. Particularly when its neighbor was a hospital seeking to expand. The architect Thomas C. Haire lived in the Northcliffe Apartments in the late 1920s, when he first moved to Seattle.

Demolition

This five-story apartment building was torn down in 2008 to make way for a Virginia Mason Hospital unit.

PCAD id: 16818