OpenStreetMap (new tab)

Google Map (new tab)

Google Streetview (new tab)

Overview

This building was designed to be contextual, in the English Gothic Style, to match John Graham and Company's earlier church, completed in 1927. It was a rarity for the architectural firm, NBBJ, to design in a period revival style at this time, rather than its preferred Modern approach.

Building History

The Seattle architectural firm of Naramore, Brady, Bain and Johanson (NBBJ) designed this addition to the main building. According to a contemporary newspaper report, construction was schedule to begin on the wing on 03/20/1955, and was set to cost between $450,000 to $475,000.The report stated, "With its completion, the entire block from E. 42d to E. 43d Sts. on 15th Ave. N.E. will be taken up by the plant, Wesley House, which is the center for Methodist students at the University of Washington, and the sanctuary building. The ground floor, or full daylight basement, will include a youth social hall, choir room, kitchenette, junior high and high school departments and an apartment for the caretaker. On the main floor, which will be on a level with the church narthex and nave, will include the Sander Memorial Chapel, in memory of Helen McDonald Sander and her daughter, Mary Lou Sander Clough; offices, nurseries, parlors, kitchenette and library. Primary and secondary classrooms, minister's study and chapel balcony will be on the second floor. The top floor, under the peak of the roof, will provide space which can be finished in the future for other activities."

The article continued: "The Rev.Dr. Cecil F. Ristow, who has been pastor of University Temple since 1945, said an education building has been the 'dream and hope' and in the plans of the congregation since the edifice was dedicated in 1927. But depression years and other causes prevented realization of such a plan. However, about four years ago a fund campaign got under way, reaching its peak during the past year with an intensive canvass. At present every available bit of space is being used for Sunday School purposes." (See E.J. Mitchell, "University Methodists, Plan Education Building," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 03/13/1955, p. S15.)

PCAD id: 22942