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Building History

The noted Seattle architect Benjamin F. McAdoo, Jr., (1920-1981) designed this Modern YWCA branch for residents of the Central District neighborhood in 1952-1953. He worked with the building contractor E.L. Livers, Master Builder, who constructed the recreation center.

Plans for the design began likely in late 1952. On 02/01/1953, the Seattle Sunday Times published a story indicating that the YWCA had authorized expenditures for the creation of this East Side" facility and the renovation of the Downtown YWCA. It wrote: "Plans have been completed for a new East Side Y.W.C.A. at 29th Avenue and East Cherry Street and for remodeling of the downtown Y.W.C.A., it was announced yesterday. Architects have been authorized to apply for building permits and take bids for the jobs. Robert L. Durham & Associates will design the downtown remodeling. Benjamin F. McAdoo is architect for the new East Side building. The East Side Y.W.C.A. will be a one-and-a-half-story functional structure with cedar siding and some brick veneer. The East Side Y.W.C.A. will open a membership drive tomorrow. A goal of 1,000 new members has been set for the six-week campaign, said Mrs. Emma Howard, branch executive. Mrs. Wyatt A. Stephen is membership-drive director." (See "East Side Y.W. Plans New Building," Seattle SundayTimes, 02/01/1953, p. 27.)

Building Notes

An illustrated article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of 08/30/1953 described the interior fo the new YWCA: "Exterior construction is vertical cedar siding and partial brick veneer. The 2-by-6 roof decking, exposed on interior ceilings, creates an interesting beam pattern in the large main floor meeting hall. McAdoo has used rosy tints and warm earth colors throughout the building to catch the light and create an informal atmosphere for YWCA classes, clubs and recreational activities. The main floor totals 2,787 square feet, and the daylight basement 3,105 square feet. Three main entrances from the clubroom, lounge and meeting hall open into a large paved outdoor patio with Roman brick planters. Two-way fireplaces with built-in andirons and raised hearths open onto both patio and lounge. The main floor ahs a reception room with modern curved counter faced with birch strips and an executive office. The kitchen adjacent to the meeting hall as two ranges with ovens, spacious storage areas, refrigerator, stainless steel sink and a 'pass-through' for service to the patio or meeting hall. On the tower level are recreation and game rooms, office for teenage activities and an arts and crafts room. Location of chair storage at the end of the hall contributes to the planned space utilization of the building. Floors throughout have asphalt tile. Wide windows with fixed sashes maintain ventilation through awning type casements. There is automatic forced-air heating." (See "New YWCA Branch nears Readiness at 29th, E. Cherry," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 08/30/1953, p. 31. Thank you to Michael de Lange, City of Seattle, Senior Community Development Planner, for forwarding information to the author about this YWCA bullding on 10/24/2023.)

PCAD id: 24842