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This residence was built in 1940. At 505 square feet it is one of the district’s smallest homes and an example of the minimalist traditional style that was prevalent in large numbers right before and after World War II. Minimal Traditional houses reflect the typical roof pitches of earlier styles, with the gabled roofline, but lack the decorative detailing of Tudors, Craftsmen, and many other designs. The need for quick construction time and structures that accommodated changing life-style patterns (with a greater focus on technology and less space for servants) made this style quite popular. One of the early owners was Roy S. McKinnon, a clerk at Belfoy’s Shell Service Station.In August 2003, the City of Tacoma Landmarks Commission held a public hearing on a proposal to demolish the building. Fortunately that demolition did not happen.

816 N J ST - Demolition Public Hearing Notice August 27, 2003

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816 N J ST - Tacoma-Pierce County Buildings Index

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This residence was built in 1940. At 505 square feet it is one of the district’s smallest homes and an example of the minimalist traditional style that was prevalent in large numbers right before and after World War II. Minimal Traditional houses reflect the typical roof pitches of earlier styles, with the gabled roofline, but lack the decorative detailing of Tudors, Craftsmen, and many other designs.

816 North J Street (1940)

This tour is a quick introduction to the North Slope Historic District. The route tours the heart of the district and introduces you to a variety of styles and architects. The tour mostly follows the shape of a square, returning you to the starting point.

The tour of the District begins on North J Street, between North 9th and North 10th, with the home located at 911 North J Street. This residential neighborhood of 228 acres contains 1,285 homes, making it one of the state’s largest historic districts and one of the largest west of the Mississippi. Tacoma's North Slope neighborhood was settled primarily as a residential streetcar suburb with a wide variety of architectural styles.

This walking tour was informed by a booklet published by Historic Tacoma in 2008. The publication was funded by Historic Tacoma, the North End Neighborhood Council, and the North Slope Historic District, with research by Brian Kamens, Marshall McClintock, Kim O’Rourke, and Caroline Swope of Historic Tacoma.

Originally known as “Job Carr’s Hill,” most of the district consisted of Tacoma’s pioneer founder Job Carr’s 166-acre farm, which he purchased from the Northern Pacific Railway for $6.00 in the 1860s. Carr (1846–1887) founded Tacoma in 1864 directly below the district on the shores of Commencement Bay. Beginning in the 1880s, he sold off much of the farm to be platted for homes, but he and his family retained a 10-acre plot until 1920.The district had three waves of development tied to the fortunes of the city. The railroad reached Tacoma in 1883 via Portland, but even so the city’s population in 1885 was only 7,000. In 1890, just two years after the completion of the Stampede Pass Tunnel linked Tacoma directly with Chicago, the population was 36,000. To accommodate this influx, streetcar lines were built out from downtown along Division Avenue and 6th Avenue. In 1889, real estate tycoon A. C. Mason built a streetcar line out to Point Defiance and bridged several deep gulches that had hindered development of Tacoma’s North End. With easy transportation downtown, Job Carr’s Hill quickly became a premier residential district with some 45 homes built from 1888 to 1893 for the bankers, real estate brokers, financiers, and railroad professionals of Tacoma’s boom. But building stopped following the 1893 crash, and was not helped when the Northern Pacific moved its headquarters to Seattle in 1895 or when the Alaska Gold Rush began on Seattle’s docks causing thousands of Easterners to by-pass Tacoma.By 1900, Tacoma’s economic fortunes were looking up. Commencement Bay was ringed with saw mills and shingle mills churning out fine lumber, shingles, and millwork for houses in California and back East. Even the Champs-Elysees in Paris was paved with fir “cobbles” from Tacoma. Tacoma was growing again as was the North Slope with some 100 new homes added from 1902 to 1912. Well-off lumbermen, attorneys, and the new retail businessmen were building homes here. Tacoma was at the height of its political power when it was joked that Governor Ernest Lister could “holler” from his porch steps in the North Slope to the Lieutenant Governor, the House Speaker, and Chief Justice.Following World War I, with better automobiles and roads, America’s wealthy began the first suburban exodus from the cities to palatial estates in nearby enclaves. Tacoma’s wealthy headed south to Lakewood. In their place came the growing American middle class: teachers, salesmen, government workers, and small business owners. In the North Slope the remaining large plots were divided and sold off, and from 1919 to 1929 another 120 homes were built, mostly modest bungalows, Tudors, and Cape Cods. Development largely ended following the Great Depression.During the 1950s and 1960s the North Slope was largely stable, but increasingly populated by the working class as the new automobile suburbs drew much of the middle class from America’s cities. However, by the 1970s and 1980s, North Slope residents saw their neighborhood under attack. Large houses were divided into apartments or worse, torn down and replaced by cheaply built six- and twelve-plexes. When residents’ requests for zoning changes fell on deaf ears at city hall, Tacoma’s Historic Preservation Officer and North Slope resident Valarie Sivinski suggested creating a historic district.Initially, the residents’ skepticism was only exceeded by that of city hall. The first district created in 1995 only included most on North J Street. Soon residents on other streets realized the advantages of joining the historic district, and in 1998 most of North K, North M, and parts of North I were included in the district. Finally, in 2000, an additional 350 properties were added, extending the boundaries of the North Slope to its current size. In 2002 the district was added to the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register. However, the work did not end there. Fearful that historic zoning overlay would not be strong enough, North Slope residents worked with the city to create a new underlying zoning category, Historic Mixed Residential – Special Review District, which specifically gives the historic district’s design guidelines precedent in all land use decisions. The zoning category was adopted in 2006.<h3>The North Slope Historic District</h3>The residents of the North Slope appreciate the special character of the neighborhood. This character is maintained, in part, by its inclusion on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, which helps preserve the architectural character of the historic district through regulation of exterior alterations and new development. The designation won’t prevent changes—it helps insure that changes are appropriate to the style of the individual structure and the context of the district. The historic status of the district provides owners with economic incentives for building rehabilitation.Regulations are administered by citizens serving on the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, using a set of design guidelines developed for the North Slope. Only exterior elevations and property improvements are regulated; there is no regulation of interior changes or exterior paint color. The primary concern is to retain the original building character and materials; if replacement of building elements is necessary, the preference is to replace with like materials.<h3>Benefits of Owning Property in a Historic District</h3><ul><li>Rehabilitation expenses may be eligible for the Special Valuation Tax Assessment program</li><li>Protection from incompatible alterations and new construction</li><li>Protection from demolition of historic properties</li><li>Guidelines and advice provided to assist homeowners when they plan an alteration</li><li>Flexibility in building code requirements to protect historic structures</li><li>Protection of property values</li></ul>

<h3>This walking tour begins on North J Street, between North 9th and North 10th, with the home located at 911 North J Street. A link to the full tour is included in the notes below.</h3>The North Slope Historic District is a residential neighborhood of 228 acres containing 1,285 homes, making it one of the state’s largest historic districts and one of the largest west of the Mississippi. The North Slope district was settled primarily as a residential streetcar suburb with a wide variety of architectural styles. It is on the National, State, and Local Registers of Historic Places.

North Slope Historic District

This large craftsman was built circa 1913 for a physician, Dr. Warren Brown. The home was designed to accommodate Dr. Brown's office as well as his residence. In addition to being a physician, Dr. Brown was president of the Lennox Investment Company. Dr. Brown was considered one of Tacoma’s leading physicians. A resident of Tacoma for more than 30 years, he came from a family background in medicine, and both his father and his brother were physicians as well.

Our tour starts next door to the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. This large craftsman was built circa 1913 for a physician, Dr. Warren Brown.

911 North J Street (1913)

Organized in Old Town in 1888, the church was originally called Second Presbyterian. At that time services were held in the old Lowell Elementary School. In 1889 the church purchased the current site at the comer of North 9th and J Streets. The congregation built a wooden church in 1891 and changed its name to Immanuel Presbyterian Church. During the early 1900s a larger church was needed and the architectural firm of Russell &amp; Babcock was hired to design a new building. The present building was constructed in 1909. The church school building was added in 1929.The current church is Mission Revival in style, and is the only ecclesiastical example of this architectural style in Tacoma. The structure cost $20,500 to build. The Tacoma News Tribune reported in 1909 that the main auditorium is "the most beautiful of any church in Tacoma." The building is also unusual because the tower is located at the rear of the structure. This design modification was to accommodate the site's sloped lot. Another unusual feature is the sloped ramp to the narthex. instead of the more typical stairs. This feature is also due to the lot's steep incline.The sanctuary was designed to seat 400. The exposed dark-stained wood trussing is part of the original design and has been maintained.The original straight grain fir flooring is still visible. The sanctuary showcases a number of beautiful stained-glass windows. The stained glass windows along the nave are original. Interior modifications are minimal. In the 1950s the chancel and choir loft areas were remodeled and the cerulean blue stained glass window was installed. The window was manufactured by the Philadelphia studio of D'Ascenso.In 1927 the church decided to construct a new educational wing. Period images show a Mission styled structure to the left of the church, attached by an open loggia. The building was originally designed to front J Street, in keeping with the main church. However, the finished structure sits to the back of the lot. Stanley T. Shaw served as architect for the addition.The church architect Ambrose Russell was born in India, son of a Scottish missionary. By age 18 Russell decided to design buildings and enrolled at the University of Glasgow. He soon won a scholarship to attend the renowned École des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he became friends with classmate Bernard Maybeck. In 1884 Russell became one of famed architect H. H. Richardson’s last apprentices before his death. Before moving to Tacoma in 1892, Russell worked in several U. S. cities, including a brief partnership with Maybeck in Kansas City. He was associated with a number of architects and firms, including Albert Sutton, P. H. Heath, Spalding, and Babcock.

The Mission-style Immanuel Presbyterian Church was designed in 1908 by architect Ambrose Russell. He is considered one of Tacoma's most prominent architects of historic buildings from the early 1900s.

901 North J Street (1908)

Virginia Mason was an early suffragette, helping to make Washington one of the first four states to adopt women’s suffrage. She helped establish the Franke Tobey Jones retirement home. The couple were also active members of First Congregational Church. The house later became the home of Judge John W. Linck. Judge Linck, a native of Illinois, was appointed by President Harrison as a special agent of the United States Treasury Department for the Western Region in 1889. He moved to Tacoma in 1897. Active in Tacoma, he founded the first juvenile court in Tacoma in 1907. He was also one of the first people in Tacoma to support pensions for city firemen.1Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"This Victorian home of 2,846 square feet was built for John and Virginia Mason in 1889, a year after the couple arrived in Ta­coma from Illinois. A Civil War veteran and military telegraph operator, John returned to Chicago and rose to become chief dispatcher for the Wabash Railroad. He came to Tacoma as assistant superintendent for the Northern Pacific Railway. In 1895 he joined Western Union as inspector for the Tacoma district. Virginia was active in civic affairs, including the women's suffrage movement and, later, as a leader in the establishment of the Franke Tobey Jones retirement community. The Masons lived in the home until 1896. </blockquote><blockquote>"John W. Linck and his wife Eva pur­chased the home in 1901. A native of Indi­ana, John Linck was an attorney and held several federal appointments, including spe­cial agent of the Treasury Department under Presidents Harrison and McKinley. He was transferred from Tampa, Florida, to Tacoma in 1888. After 1900 he served as local police judge and justice of the peace. He was elect­ed mayor of Tacoma in 1908. Judge Linck returned to the bench in 1910 when his term as mayor ended. </blockquote><blockquote>"From 1913 to 1915 Rev. and Mrs. Mur­dock McLeod rented the home from the Lincks, when they moved to Steilacoom. Rev. McLeod was the pastor of First Presby­terian Church. In March 1915 a bundled up, three-week-old baby was left on the front lawn with an accompanying note that con­cluded: "We hope you are gaining and are well, and thank kind Dr. McLeod with all our hearts." The parents were never located, and the child was raised at the Children's In­dustrial Home in Tacoma's Oakland district. </blockquote><blockquote>"The home's exterior retains its ornate walk-around porch. Jay and Julie Turner, who purchased the home in 1978, have done extensive renovations of the interior. Ornate woodwork and maple floors in the entry, living room, parlor, and dining room add an elegant look. The entry retains the original oak turned post and ban­nister. French doors lead to the living room, which has bay windows at the front and side and a large fireplace. The parlor has a mural and paneling on one wall. The spacious din­ing room retains its original comer cabinets. </blockquote><blockquote>"The home was expanded rearward (about 1907), providing space for a half bath and laundry room (where the back en­try was originally located), a large kitchen, and a maid's room on the second floor. The upstairs master suite has its own sitting area and fireplace. The bay windows match those on the first floor. A full bath adjoins the mas­ter suite. The main bath has a claw tub. The guest bedroom has a walk-in closet. The upstairs retains much of the original wood­work and hardware."2</blockquote>

Built in 1889, this Stick style house was the home of John and Virginia Mason. Mason, a native of Illinois, enlisted with the Chicago Mercantile Battery of artillery at the outbreak of the War between the States. He served in General Sherman’s first attack on Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was eventually drafted into the military telegraph service. After the war he returned to telegraph service in Chicago and became the chief dispatcher for the Wabash Railroad line. In 1888 Mr. Mason arrived in Tacoma as assistant superintendent for the Northern Pacific Railway.

817 North J Street (1889)

The architectural firm of Russell &amp; Babcock designed this handsome Swiss influenced craftsman in 1907 for James Dege, who came to Tacoma in 1889 from Atlanta where he worked in the clothier trade. Dege began working in a Tacoma bank and was later appointed Deputy Auditor. He began studying law and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. In 1898 he became a captain in the First WA Volunteers. In 1901 he returned to the clothing business, partnering with William Milner and opening Dege &amp; Milner, a clothing store.Architect Ambrose Russell was born in India, son of a Scottish missionary. By age 18 Russell decided to design buildings and enrolled at the University of Glasgow. He soon won a scholarship to attend the renowned École des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he became friends with classmate Bernard Maybeck. In 1884 Russell became one of famed architect H. H. Richardson’s last apprentices before his death. Before moving to Tacoma in 1892, Russell worked in several U. S. cities, including a brief partnership with Maybeck in Kansas City. He was associated with a number of architects and firms, including Albert Sutton, P. H. Heath, Spalding, and Babcock.Other houses designed by Russell &amp; Babcock:<ul><li>1001 North I Street (1905)</li><li>916 North K Street (1905)</li><li>901 North I Street (1906)</li><li>1414 North 5th Street (1907)</li><li>609 North I Street (1907)</li><li>710 North I Street (1907)</li><li>702 North J Street (1907)</li><li>901 North J Street (1908)</li></ul>

The architectural firm of Russell &amp; Babcock designed this handsome Swiss influenced craftsman in 1907 for James Dege, who came to Tacoma in 1889 from Atlanta where he worked in the clothier trade. Dege began working in a Tacoma bank and was later appointed Deputy Auditor. He began studying law and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. In 1898 he became a captain in the First WA Volunteers.

702 North J Street (1907)

The architects Spalding, Russell &amp; Heath designed this shingle style house in 1901 for Henry Rhodes. In 1907, Frederick Heath designed the three-story addition on the north side. Rhodes came to Tacoma in 1890 with his two brothers Charles and Albert and opened a tea and coffee shop, which eventually grew into Rhodes Brothers Department store, Washington’s first, and for several decades largest, department store. Rhodes also organized and headed the Rainier National Park Corporation that built Paradise Lodge as well as the roads and infrastructure still in use at the park. Later Rhodes was involved in many large building projects such as the Winthrop Hotel and the Medical Arts Building.1Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"The post-Victorian mansion built for Henry and Birdella Rhodes in 1901 was designed by Tacoma architects A.J. Russell and Frederick Heath. In 1907, Frederick Heath designed the large east wing. The eclectic house combined both Shingle and Prairie styles, features rare to Tacoma architecture.</blockquote><blockquote>"Henry and his family arrived in Tacoma in 1892, when he and his brother William established a tea and coffee store. Another brother, Albert, joined the partnership in 1893. In 1900 the brothers opened a dry goods store. From these small beginnings came the Rhodes Brothers Department Store, a longtime feature in downtown Tacoma. To solidify the partnership, Albert built a Russell-designed post-Victorian house to the north of Henry's at 702 North I Street.</blockquote><blockquote>"Following the success of this business venture, Henry organized the Rhodes Investment Company which specialized in major construction projects in Tacoma, including a complete block of houses on the west side of Union Avenue between North 25th and 26th Streets. He also encouraged downtown revitalization into the 1920s through the construction of the Winthrop Hotel and the Medical Arts (Tacoma Municipal) building.</blockquote><blockquote>"Also in the 1920s, Henry and Birdella moved from this home to their English Tudor villa on Steilacoom Lake. At that time their daughter Vera, who married Audsley Fraser in the J Street house in 1912, moved in. Birdella Rhodes died in August of 1943. Henry died in 1954 at the age of 91, but not before writing an autobiography entitled Memoirs of a Merchant.</blockquote><blockquote>"The current owners of the Rhodes home and others have made many beautiful additions to the house .... Other owners have been Dr. Leo and Mrs. Hunt (1932-1966) and Greg A. and Dusty Trail who restored the house (1974-1975)."2</blockquote>HISTORICAL NOTE: North 7th Street does not continue to the northeast towards Commencement Bay because this location marks what was once the upper reach of Garfield Gulch that begins next to Annie Wright, where you can still see it. Bridges crossed the Gulch at North I and North K Streets as late as 1898 until it was eventually filled in.

Architect Ambrose Russell designed this shingle style house in 1901 for Henry and Birdella Rhodes. In 1907, Frederick Heath designed the three-story addition on the north side. Henry Rhodes came to Tacoma in 1890 with his two brothers Charles and Albert and opened a tea and coffee shop, which eventually grew into Rhodes Brothers Department store, Washington’s first, and for several decades largest, department store. Henry Rhodes also founded and headed the Rainier National Park Corporation that built Paradise Lodge as well as the roads and infrastructure still in use at the park. Rhodes was also involved in many large building projects such as the Winthrop Hotel and the Tacoma Municipal Building. The house is listed on the National Register, the Washington Heritage Register and the Tacoma Register of Historic Places.

701 North J Street (1901)

Designed by architect George Wesley Bullard, this house was actually his own home. He was one of Tacoma’s early architects, and he designed and built this neo-colonial home in 1895, in which he wed his wife Anna Heath. Anna was a teacher, an early principal of Lincoln High School, and a member of the school board. Before marrying Bullard, she lived at 424 North M Street.1Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"The Bullards sold the home in 1906 to Daniel and Jessie Kinney. He was the purchasing agent for the Northwestern Improvement Co. They sold the home in 1922 to longtime owners Salvi and Carmel Gargliardi, who lived there until the mid-1970s.</blockquote><blockquote>"Salvi Gargliardi, born in Malita, Italy in 1888, migrated to America in 1907 after finishing high school. He worked for a railroad a short tine before ending up in Spokane, where he went to business school at night and then to Gonzaga University, working a number of jobs to support himself. He received his bachelor's degree in 1912 and continued his education at Gonzaga's law school, graduating in 1915. He and Carmel, a Spokane native he met at Gonzaga, married in 1914 and moved to Tacoma in 1916. Within a dozen years Salvi became a prominent Tacoma attorney and a member of many boards of directors (and a founding board member of Medosweet Dairies). Salvi, an admirer of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, named one of his sons George Thomas and the other Thomas George.</blockquote><blockquote>"The front of the home, with prominent full-width porches and stately columns on both main levels, looks as it did when Bullard designed it."2</blockquote>It should be noted that architect and first resident George Wesley Bullard also designed the Tuell-McKee Funeral Home building (1927) and the former Casey's Tavern building (1928) on 6th Ave, now known as the Asado Restaurant. He is also credited with many notable buildings around Tacoma, including the Provident Building on Pacific Avenue which was once home to the Tacoma Historical Society, the Tacoma Buddhist Temple (1931), the Garner Building (1906; now home to KNKX Public Radio), the old YMCA building (1909) on Market Street, and numerous homes in the Tacoma North Slope Historic District. For many, perhaps Bullard's most significant structure was the Ferry Museum (1911) next to Stadium Bowl, which has been home to the Washington State Historical Society for many years. His brother Samuel was also an architect in Tacoma.<h3>Architect George Wesley Bullard</h3>George W. Bullard, a native of Illinois, graduated from the University of Illinois in 1882. He started his architectural practice in his home state, but came to Tacoma in 1890 to open the firm of Bullard &amp; Hayward. Bullard practiced in Tacoma for more than 45 years, both individually and in the firms of Bullard &amp; Hill and Bullard &amp; Mason. He designed numerous buildings in Tacoma, including the Y.M.C.A. (714 Market Street), First Congregational Church, Epworth Methodist Church, and the Washington State Historical Society headquarters. Bullard also served as the first president of the Washington State Association of Architects.OTHER HOUSES DESIGNED BY GEORGE W. BULLARD:<ul><li>1515 North 7th Street (1890)</li><li>514 North Sheridan Ave (1902)</li><li>1521 North 5th Street (1903)</li><li>705 North J Street (1904)</li><li>815 North I Street (1906)</li></ul>HOUSES DESIGNED BY HIS FIRM, BULLARD &amp;HILL:<ul><li>916 North L Street (1908)</li><li>1017 North L Street (1908)</li><li>622 North Cushman Street (1909)</li></ul>For the next stop on the North Slope Historic District tour, turn right (south) onto North 5th Street ...

This was the home of George Wesley Bullard, one of Tacoma’s early architects. He designed and built this neo-colonial home in 1895, in which he wed his wife Anna Heath. Anna was a teacher, an early principal of Lincoln High School, and a member of the school board. Before marrying Bullard, she lived at 424 North M Street.

523 North J Street (1895)

This Craftsman house was built in 1908 by contractors (not architects), August L. Swanson and carpenter Olaf T. Hollen. Joseph and Maryt Sharmen were early residents of the property. This house is a good example of an early 20th century bungalow—not particularly Craftsman, but not really belonging to any of the other dominate styles of the day. It epitomizes the more petite infill structure that started to appear by 1910 and continued through the 1930s in the district.

This Craftsman house was built in 1908 by contractors (not architects), August L. Swanson and carpenter Olaf T. Hollen. Mary and Joseph Sharmen were early residents of the property. This house is a good example of an early 20th century bungalow—not particularly Craftsman, but not really belonging to any of the other dominate styles of the day.

1014 North 5th Street (1908)

The Cornell brothers, Ernest and Daniel, operated one of Tacoma’s largest construction firms. In 1905 they built these two residences for themselves: Ernest at 1015 and Daniel at 1021. Since no architect is listed, it’s likely that they designed the houses themselves. The Cornell Brothers built many houses in the North Slope as well as First Presbyterian Church, the grain elevators, the Elks Building (now McMenamins Elks Temple), and much of Camp Lewis (now Fort Lewis) in World War I. In the late 20th century, the house at 1021 N 5th St. underwent a massive addition to the top floor which drastically changed the roofline.Ernest C. and Daniel Cornell, natives of Ohio, moved to Tacoma in the late 1880s. The brothers started working in the contracting business immediately, and for a while partnered together. By the 1920s they helped create the firm of Albertson, Cornell Brothers &amp; Walsh, a large business which constructed roads, erected power stations and a large part of Fort Lewis during World War I. The firm’s average payroll included between 400 and 600 men, although to build Fort Lewis the firm employed more than 10,000 men. Daniel Cornell later became vice president of the Washington Paving Company. Both the brothers were active in community affairs, particularly with fraternal orders, and were members of the Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Elks, and the Union Club.OTHER HOMES BUILT BY THE CORNELL BROTHERS<ul><li>1319 North 4th Street (1895)</li><li>615 North Ainsworth Street (1901)</li><li>624 North J Street (1902)</li><li>1102 North J Street (1901)</li><li>1415 North J Street (1901)</li><li>407 North K Street (1906)</li><li>409 North K Street (1891)</li><li>613 North K Street (1901)</li><li>707 North K Street (1903)</li><li>1022 North K Street (1901)</li></ul>

The Cornell brothers, Ernest and Daniel, operated one of Tacoma’s largest construction firms. In 1905 they built these two residences for themselves: Ernest at 1015 and Daniel at 1021. Since no architect is listed, it’s likely that they designed the houses themselves. The Cornell Brothers built many houses in the North Slope as well as First Presbyterian Church, the grain elevators, the Elks Building (now McMenamins Elks Temple), and much of Camp Lewis (now Fort Lewis) in World War I.

1015 & 1021 North 5th Street (1905)

The Cornell Brothers built this 1901 Neo-Colonial Four-Square for F. G. Fisher. Fisher came to Tacoma in 1889 and started a shoe business with his brother. In 1895 he opened Tacoma Shoe on Pacific Avenue. By 1906 he joined with Stone to form Stone-Fisher Co., a clothing store that later became the Bon Marche (now Macy’s). He was a long time member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Library Board.The Cornell brothers, Ernest and Daniel, operated one of Tacoma’s largest construction firms. Since no architect is listed, it’s likely that they designed the houses themselves. The Cornell Brothers built many houses in the North Slope as well as First Presbyterian Church, the grain elevators, the Elks Building (now McMenamins Elks Temple), and much of Camp Lewis (now Fort Lewis) in World War I.Ernest C. and Daniel Cornell, natives of Ohio, moved to Tacoma in the late 1880s. The brothers started working in the contracting business immediately, and for a while partnered together. By the 1920s they helped create the firm of Albertson, Cornell Brothers &amp; Walsh, a large business which constructed roads and erected power stations. The firm’s average payroll included between 400 and 600 men, although to build Fort Lewis the firm employed more than 10,000 men. Daniel Cornell later became vice president of the Washington Paving Company. Both brothers were active in community affairs, particularly with fraternal orders, and were members of the Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Elks, and the Union Club.1Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"This Neo-French Colonial House was built in 1901 by Cornell Bros., for Garrett and Virginia Fisher. Cornell Bros., founded by Daniel and Ernest Cornell, was a major contractor during the first half of the 20th Century and built many homes in Tacoma, including the mansions known as "Thornewood" and "Haddaway Hall". Cornell Bros. also built many large buildings and structures, including First Presbyterian Church, the Elks Temple, Port of Tacoma piers, and much of what was then known as Camp Lewis. The Cornells also owned the Washington Paving Company, which constructed many of the sidewalks and pavements in Tacoma, Olympia, and elsewhere in Western Washington.</blockquote><blockquote>"Garrett Fisher, born in Montrose, Iowa, came to Tacoma in 1890. He opened a shoe store at South 11th and Pacific Ave. with his brother L. H. Fisher. After the Depression of 1893 hit, he was for a time a traveling shoe salesman. In 1895 he opened another shoe store on Pacific Ave. In 1906 he joined stone-Fisher, located at 11th and Broadway (then called C Street), as vice-president. Stone-Fisher was later known as Fishers Department Store, after Garrett's father, William J. Fisher, bought a controlling interest in the business. Garrett was active in business and civic affairs, serving as Chamber of commerce president, as a member of the board of trustees for over 30 years, president of the library board, and president of the Tacoma Speedway Association, which brought auto races to Tacoma. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor against Angelo V. Fawcett.</blockquote><blockquote>"Garrett Fisher and Virginia Cushman Fisher were married in 1892. They had two children. Virginia died in 1933 at age 66.Garrett Fisher lived at 1102 North 5th St. until 1951, passing away at age 92 in 1956.</blockquote><blockquote>"The house had a number of owners between 1954 and 1999 when it was purchased by [the current owners] who have undertaken extensive restoration projects to restore much of the home's original character."2</blockquote>OTHER HOMES BUILT BY THE CORNELL BROTHERS<ul><li>1319 North 4th Street (1895)</li><li>615 North Ainsworth Street (1901)</li><li>624 North J Street (1902)</li><li>1102 North J Street (1901)</li><li>1415 North J Street (1901)</li><li>407 North K Street (1906)</li><li>409 North K Street (1891)</li><li>613 North K Street (1901)</li><li>707 North K Street (1903)</li><li>1022 North K Street (1901)</li></ul>

The Cornell Brothers built this 1901 Neo-Colonial Four-Square for F. G. Fisher. Fisher came to Tacoma in 1889 and started a shoe business with his brother. In 1895 he opened Tacoma Shoe on Pacific Avenue. By 1906 he joined with Stone to form Stone-Fisher Co., a clothing store that later became the Bon Marche (now Macy’s).

1102 North 5th Street (1901)

The Elliot Hall Apartments were built as an investment in 1913 by Mrs. Celesta P. Wheeler. The building is thought to have cost $20,000. While many North End residents assume that the tensions between single family dwelling owners and apartment owners are a relatively new dynamic, period newspaper reports indicate otherwise.In 1913, the same year that this complex was built, Charles C. Darling and his wife (who lived next door at 1120 North 5th Street) were apparently unhappy with an apartment building practically in their back yard. To provide privacy for their home, the Darlings built a shed 7 feet wide and 51 feet long along the property line between the two structures. The Darling’s referred to the structure as a summer house and a place to dry clothing. Mrs. Wheeler objected, claiming the structure was a “spite” building which blocked light from two of her apartment units.This dispute ended up in court which ruled in favor of the Darlings; their "spite" building was allowed to remain.

The Elliot Hall Apartments were built as an investment in 1913 by Mrs. Celesta P. Wheeler. The building is thought to have cost $20,000. While many North End residents assume that the tensions between single family dwelling owners and apartment owners are a relatively new dynamic, period newspaper reports indicate otherwise.

417 North L Street (1913)

Sherman L. Blair designed this Four-Square in 1905 for W. A. Stewart, long time county Auditor and Deputy Auditor. The house was fully restored by architects Valerie Sivinski and Tim McDonald, who were instrumental in the formation of the North Slope Historic District. Valerie served as the Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Tacoma and co-founded the firm Artifacts Consulting with historian Michael Sullivan. Valerie was killed in 2000 while conducting preservation-related work. The park at North K and N. 8th St. was later named in her honor. The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation developed the Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund to help provide funding for local communities to preserve their heritage. The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation gives an annual Valerie Sivinski Award for Outstanding Rehabilitation as well. <h3>Who was Sherman Blair?</h3>Sherman Blair, a prominent building contractor, was a native of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. He moved to Tacoma between 1902 and 1903. He worked in construction as both a designer and a contractor until his unexpected death in 1918, at age 60. Mr. Blair served as construction superintendent for Tacoma’s First United Methodist Church. The church, dedicated in 1916, was considered Tacoma’s best example of Ecclesiastical Gothic Revival. The building was demolished by the Multi-Care Health System in early 2007. Blair specialized in upper-middle class houses built in Tacoma’s North End. He was the contractor for at least three more elaborate residences designed by prominent architect George W. Bullard, including Bullard’s own residence at 75 West Road, Prospect Hill.<h3>Other homes built by Sherman Blair:</h3><ul><li>1220 North 5th Street (1906)</li><li>520 North Ainsworth Avenue (1907)</li><li>516 North Cushman Avenue (1915)</li><li>520 North Cushman Avenue (1907)</li><li>524 North Cushman Avenue (1907)</li><li>810 North Cushman Avenue (1908)</li><li>515 North I Street (1909)</li><li>721 North L Street (1905)</li><li>1017 North L Street (1908)</li><li>417 North M Street (1906)</li><li>817 North Sheridan Avenue (1906)</li></ul>

Sherman L. Blair designed this Four-Square in 1905 for W. A. Stewart, long time county Auditor and Deputy Auditor. Today this is the home of retired architect Timothy McDonald and his wife preservationist Kathleen Brooker. Timothy and his late wife Valerie Sivinski bought the house in 1989 and restored it to its original single family configuration. Valerie, who died in 2000, was instrumental in the formation of the North Slope Historic District.and served as the Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Tacoma. Timothy has served on the Landmarks Preservation Commission and Kathleen on the Board of Historic Tacoma.

417 North M Street (1905)

Architect Ambrose Russell designed this house for attorney Frederick H. Murray. Murray arrived in Tacoma in 1889 to work as an attorney for the Northern Pacific Railway. He and later started his own practice and eventually was the City Attorney for the City of Tacoma. His adopted son, Robert, was a noted opera singer discovered by the Metropolitan Opera. In 1920 Robert had his New York City début at age 12. Mr. Murray moved the family to New York to oversee his son’s career. Robert once performed for Enrico Caruso who encouraged his short career in NY opera.The house was later repurposed as a sanitarium, a convalescent home, and even a restaurant (known as the "Modern Inn"). It is now apartments. The Murray House is on the National, State and Local Registers of Historic Places.Architect Ambrose Russell was born in India, son of a Scottish missionary. By age 18 Russell decided to design buildings and enrolled at the University of Glasgow. He soon won a scholarship to attend the renowned École des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he became friends with classmate Bernard Maybeck. In 1884 Russell became one of famed architect H. H. Richardson’s last apprentices before his death. Before moving to Tacoma in 1892, Russell worked in several U. S. cities, including a brief partnership with Maybeck in Kansas City. He was associated with a number of architects and firms, including Albert Sutton, P. H. Heath, Spalding, and Babcock.The Murray House was designed by Russell when he was with the architectural firm Spaulding, Russell &amp; Heath. The firm is credited with designing several magnificent homes in the Tacoma North Slope Historic District, including the Rhodes Mansion at 701 N J St (also on this tour).<h3>Firms associated with Architect Ambrose Russell</h3>Spalding, Russell &amp; Heath:<ul><li>614 North J Street (1901)</li><li>701 North J Street (1901)</li><li>1102 North J Street (1901)</li><li>1202 North J Street (1901)</li><li>402 North Sheridan Street (1901)</li><li>414 North Sheridan Street (1901)</li></ul>Ambrose J. Russell:<ul><li>122 North 4th Street (1896)</li><li>823 North I Street (1895)</li><li>412 North M Street (1903)</li><li>423 North Sheridan Street (1895)</li></ul>Russell &amp; Heath:<ul><li>702 North I Street (1902)</li><li>624 North L Street (1902)</li></ul>Russell &amp; Babcock:<ul><li>1414 North 5th Street (1907)</li><li>609 North I Street (1907)</li><li>710 North I Street (1907)</li><li>901 North I Street (1906)</li><li>1001 North I Street (1905)</li><li>702 North J Street (1907)</li><li>901 North J Street (1908)</li><li>916 North K Street (1905)</li></ul>

Ambrose Russell designed this unusual shingle-style house in 1901 for attorney Frederick H. Murray. Its extremely high-pitched roof and dormers, faced with art nouveau panels, are unique.

402 North Sheridan Ave (1901)

In 1904 Charles Bartz, owner of Tacoma Millwork Supply, built this unique Four-Square with a two-story bay as his residence. Bartz was a native of Germany, and originally settled in La-Crosse, Wisconsin. Although he only lived here a few years, the house showcased his millwork. Most of the woodwork on the main floor was originally golden oak, with imitation birch floors. The second level floors were fir. Sadly many of the interior finishes were lost when it was divided into apartments.1By 1907 the house was owned by W. A. Barnes, a Toronto, Canada native who worked in the real estate and insurance industry. The family had quite a surprise in April of 1918—they returned home from an evening out and found that thieves had not only stolen cash and jewelry, but had helped themselves to dinner, even carrying off sardines, bread and butter, and a cake! Mr. Barnes served as president of the Tacoma Real Estate Board, and vice-president of the Northwest Real Estate Association.Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"In 1949, the house was purchased by Emmett and Lucille Anderson. Active in the Tacoma Elks, Emmett was, coincidentally, born in Tacoma on January 17, 1890, the same day the local lodge was established. He became not only leader of the Tacoma lodge but rose to be the Grand Exalted Ruler of the national order. Anderson also entered politics and was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1952. In 1956, he won the Republican nomination for governor, but was defeated in the general election by Albert Rosellini (another Tacoma native). Anderson ran his own printing business, Anderson Printing Company, for many years.</blockquote><blockquote>"The original cost of the nine room house was $4,500. It has a pyramidal hip roof with flared eaves and a wraparound porch supported by square columns. On the right is a two-story round bay that projects forward, an interesting variation of the standard foursquare box design.</blockquote><blockquote>"The interior of the home has colonial touches in the downstairs rooms, which have dark oak floors. The entry is spacious and features a fireplace with small green tablet tiles and leaded glass side cabinets. An elegant open stairway on the left leads upstairs. The living room to the right has a fireplace with tiles that match the entry fireplace. An enclosed portion of the original wraparound porch provides a small office off the living room. The dining room has a third fireplace. Unlike the entry and living room fireplaces, the dining room fireplace has small brown tablet tiles and a very omate surround. Beyond the dining room are the main floor bath and a family room. Both of these rooms are the result of a 1948 addition. Upstairs the master bedroom has a rounded bay. Both the master bedroom and the other front bedroom have interesting v-angle windows. There are two rooms in the finished third floor.</blockquote><blockquote>"In 2005 the current owners purchased the house, which had been made into a duplex in the late 1950s, and have been painstakingly renovating and restoring it to its original design as a single-family home."2</blockquote>After the Bartz residence, to continue the North Slope Historic District walking tour, head to North Sheridan and turn left (west).

In 1904 Charles Bartz, owner of Tacoma Millwork Supply, built this unique Four-Square with a two-story bay as his residence. Bartz was a native of Germany, and originally settled in La-Crosse, Wisconsin. Although he only lived here a few years, the house showcased his millwork. Most of the woodwork on the main floor was originally golden oak, with imitation birch floors. The second level floors were fir. Sadly many of the interior finishes were lost when it was divided into apartments.

1501 North 5th Street (1904)

This Neo-Colonial and the one at 1401 were designed and built by the Cornell Brothers in 1895 for two business partners: William Gardener (1415) and William Ferguson (1401) . They operated a plumbing and steam supply company. Ferguson was born in Ireland and came to Tacoma in 1890. Considered one of the founders of First Presbyterian Church, his wife and son donated the chapel that Ralph Adam Cram designed in his memory. In 1941 the Ferguson house became a sanitarium, and in 1948, the Gardener house was included. In the 1960s large additions to both houses were added in the side yards. When the last medical business moved out in 2006, the North Slope Historic District was able to persuade the owner to remove the additions and return the buildings to residences. Both houses have been restored to their original appearance.

This Neo-Colonial was designed and built by the Cornell Brothers in 1895 for a business partner, William Gardener. He and William Ferguson owned and a plumbing and steam supply company. Ferguson's house is located at 1415 North 5th Street. Both houses were built by the Cornell Brothers.

1415 North 5th Street (1895)

This Neo-Colonial and the one at 1415 were designed and built by the Cornell Brothers in 1895 for two business partners: William Ferguson (1401) and William Gardener (1415). They operated a plumbing and steam supply company. Ferguson was born in Ireland and came to Tacoma in 1890. Considered one of the founders of First Presbyterian Church, his wife and son donated the chapel that Ralph Adam Cram designed in his memory. In 1941 the Ferguson house became a sanitarium, and in 1948, the Gardener house was included. In the 1960s large additions to both houses were added in the side yards. When the last medical business moved out in 2006, the North Slope Historic District was able to persuade the owner to remove the additions and return the buildings to residences. Both houses have been restored to their original appearance.

This Neo-Colonial was designed and built by the Cornell Brothers in 1895 for a business partner, William Ferguson. He and his business partner William Gardener owned and a plumbing and steam supply company. Gardner's house is located at 1415 North 5th Street.

1401 North 5th Street (1895)

Proctor &amp; Farrell designed this 1903 Four-Square for Ernest Lister, future eighth governor of Washington. In 1884, at age 14, Lister immigrated with his family from England. His uncle and father operated a local iron foundry where Ernest worked. At the time this house was built, Lister and his brother had formed the Lister Lumber Company and a real estate company.Lister was elected governor in 1913 as the first Democrat to hold the office in more than 12 years. He was re-elected in 1917 but during 1919 he suffered a heart attack and died in office at age 48. During Lister’s tenure, Boeing began making airplanes, surveys were completed for the Grand Coulee Dam, and a bridge was built across the Columbia at Vancouver. Tacoma was at the height of its political power at this time: Overton Ellis, Chief Justice, lived at 613 North K Street; Guy Kelly, the Speaker, lived at 924 North L Street, and Louis F. Hart, Lt. Governor (Governor upon Lister’s death) lived at 617 North Oaks Street.John Proctor served as the state architect for Washington and designed the Old State Capitol Building (the first Thurston County Courthouse), Western State Hospital, the Old Soldiers Home in Orting, and the Old Pierce County Courthouse (1893). The Proctor business district is named after him since his house was located in that area and his name was used for the telephone exchange. Oliver Perry Dennis, a native of New York, worked as an architect in Tacoma from 1888 until 1901. Most of his work was done in partnership with John G. Proctor under the name of Proctor &amp; Dennis. Dennis later moved to California. Proctor then partnered with Farrell to form Proctor &amp; Farrell.<h3>Oliver Perry Dennis:</h3><ul><li>506 N Ainsworth Avenue (1893)</li><li>1605 Division Avenue (1893)</li><li>515 N Sheridan Avenue (1892)</li><li>517 N Sheridan Avenue (1892)</li></ul><h3>Proctor &amp; Dennis:</h3><ul><li>1218 North I Street (1889)</li><li>1220 North I Street (1889)</li><li>517 North J Street (1889)</li><li>714–16 North K Street (1889)</li><li>517 N Sheridan Street (1892)</li></ul><h3>Proctor &amp; Farrell:</h3><ul><li>1402 North 5th Street (1903)</li><li>922 North 11th Street (1903)</li><li>502 North I Street (1904)</li><li>624 North J Street (1902)</li><li>924 North J Street (1906)</li></ul>

Proctor &amp; Farrell designed this 1903 Four-Square for Ernest Lister, future eighth governor of Washington. In 1884, at age 14, Lister immigrated with his family from England. His uncle and father operated a local iron foundry where Ernest worked. At the time this house was built, Lister and his brother had formed the Lister Lumber Company and a real estate company.

1402 North 5th Street (1903)

E. L. Sawyer, a real estate developer, had architect Oliver. P. Dennis design the two houses located at 515 and 517 North Sheridan around 1892. Following the financial crash of 1893, 515 was the home of attorney Frank Graham, and 517 was home to the Voorhees family.Peter Voorhees, a Detroit native arrived in Tacoma in 1890 to start a flour mill and grain elevator. However, he lost his business in the 1893 crash. The arrival of the Northern Pacific railroad had created massive real estate speculation. As a result only 3 of the 28 Tacoma banks survived the 1893 crash. In Seattle, no banks failed, and thus began Seattle’s rise over Tacoma. In 1895 James Hill bought the Northern Pacific Railway from Wright and moved the terminus to Seattle.

E. L. Sawyer, a real estate developer, had architect Oliver P. Dennis design the two houses located at 515 and 517 North Sheridan around 1892. Following the financial crash of 1893, 515 was the home of attorney Frank Graham, and 517 was home to the Peter Voorhees family.

515 North Sheridan Ave (1892)

Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"In 1902 famed Tacoma architect George Bullard drew up plans for this Dutch Colonial Revival home for Louis and Lavinia Stewart. The plans cost $2,000. Bullard was the architect for several local schools and churches (including the First Congregational Church), the YMCA, and the Washington State Historical Museum on North Stadium Way. Contractor W. R. Sears built the elegant eight-room structure on what was then a five-acre tract near the original location of Whitworth College for about $4,500. A modern home for its period, it featured central hot-water heating and a gas cooking range. The home, of 1758 square feet, has exterior dimensions of 24x36 feet.</blockquote><blockquote>"Louis Stewart and his brother arrived in Tacoma in 1888. Louis found work at the Palace Grocery. The brothers worked in the grocery business for many years before they co-founded the Kona Koffee Company, a well known and very popular wholesale grocery concern, in 1905. Louis and Lavinia had two sons, Mark and Ansel. Lavinia Triffitt Stewart was born in Selby, England, immigrating at age twelve to become a seventy-year resident of Tacoma.</blockquote><blockquote>"The second owners were William and Catherine McDonald, who bought the house in 1907. William, a well-known cigar dealer in downtown Tacoma, died the next year. Catherine stayed in the home, raised her family, and lived there until1942withherdaughterHelen.Helen married J. Steadman Wood, and they lived in the home until 1953. Steadman Wood was a widely known artist and was the art director of the Condom Company, one of the oldest advertising agencies in the Pacific Northwest.</blockquote><blockquote>"Other owners included H. Liness and Media C. Hochstrasser (1954-1979) and John C. and Sharon L. Higgins (1981- 1991). The Higgins family enclosed half of the front porch to enlarge the living room. Jeffery and Lisa Ganung owned the house from 1996 to 2005 and did extensive renovation work, adding a half bath downstairs, remodeling the kitchen, and erecting a three-car garage in the same style as the house.</blockquote><blockquote>"The home was purchased by its current owners in 2006 and they are undertaking many redecorating tasks and landscape improvements."2</blockquote><h3>Architect George Wesley Bullard</h3>George Bullard, a native of Illinois, graduated from the University of Illinois in 1882. He started his architectural practice in his home state, but came to Tacoma in 1890 to open the firm of Bullard &amp; Hayward. Bullard practiced in Tacoma for more than 45 years, both individually and in the firms of Bullard &amp; Hill and Bullard &amp; Mason. He designed numerous buildings in Tacoma, including the Y.M.C.A. (714 Market Street), First Congregational Church, Epworth Methodist Church, and the Washington State Historical Society headquarters. Bullard also served as the first president of the Washington State Chapter of Architects.OTHER HOUSES DESIGNED BY GEORGE W. BULLARD:<ul><li>1515 North 7th Street (1890)</li><li>523 North J Street (1895)</li><li>1521 North 5th Street (1903)</li><li>705 North J Street (1904)</li><li>815 North I Street (1906)</li></ul>HOUSES DESIGNED BY HIS FIRM, BULLARD &amp;HILL:<ul><li>916 North L Street (1908)</li><li>1017 North L Street (1908)</li><li>622 North Cushman Street (1909)</li></ul>Through the next section of the tour along North Sheridan and North M, there are several Craftsman homes, Cape Cods, and Tudor cottages mostly from the North Slope’s third building phase from about 1919 to 1930. By this time the North Slope had become an older middle-class urban neighborhood. Residents at the time were salesmen, engineers, carpenters, and bookkeepers.

This 1902 Dutch Colonial designed by George Bullard was the home of Louis Stewart, who came to Tacoma in 1888 from West Virginia. He and his brother formed Kona Koffee in 1905, with Louis serving as president. Louis only lived here a few years, the next residents were William Leslie and Catherine H. McDonald. Mr. McDonald was a cigar dealer.

514 North Sheridan Ave (1902)

517 North Sheridan Ave (1892)

This house was originally the home of C. A. Mudgett, a local grocer.Courtesy of Tacoma Historical Society:<blockquote>"Charles M. Mudgett built this 24-by-36 foot house on North Sheridan in 1908. He came to Tacoma in 1896 as a grocer. By the time the house was completed he was owner of the Pacific Fuel Company. Charles lived in this house with his wife Marilla, daughters Roberta and Ellen, his mother, and one servant. He also died in the house in 1925 at the age of 55.</blockquote><blockquote>"Between 1934 and 1945 the house was home to George Milton Savage, his wife Anne, and his daughter Ethel F. Clark. Both father and daughter died here in 1938 and 1954 respectively. Anne was a true native Washington pioneer being the granddaughter of Michael T. Simmons, who migrated to Puget Sound in 1845. She was also the niece of the infamous Dr. David Maynard, and was born in his house in Seattle. George M. Savage came to Tacoma in 1884 to become one of the city's primary contractors and street builders. Early on he joined with George Scofield to form the Savage-Scofield Company. In the 1920s, Savage branched out on his own by establishing the George Milton Savage Company. He was directly instrumental in the construction of Stadium High School and the Nisqually River power plant at La Grande, among many other projects. His handiwork can also be seen in the remaining cobblestone streets in Tacoma's North End."2</blockquote>

Through this portion of the North Slope Historic District walking tour, this next section of North Sheridan and North M includes several Craftsman homes, Cape Cods, and Tudor cottages mostly from the North Slope’s third building phase from about 1919 to 1930. By this time the North Slope had become an older middle-class urban neighborhood. Residents at the time were salesmen, engineers, carpenters, and bookkeepers.This 1908 residence was built as a regional variation of the Four-Square style, sometimes referred to as the “Seattle Box.” The style is distinguished by a recessed front porch, which often only covers a portion of the front. Second floor corner windows project on the main façade, and were designed to provide dramatic views. The center of the second floor is also commonly accented with a small exotically designed window or occasionally a pairing of windows.

720 North Sheridan Ave (1908)

Here is the heart of the North Slope Historic District, the site of Job Carr’s farmhouse (not to be confused with his first cabin in Old Town), fairly close to the center of his farm. This area was originally known as Job Carr’s Hill. Carr, a Civil War veteran from Indiana, came to Commencement Bay in 1864 right after the war. That year, the Northern Pacific Railway was granted 40 million acres of public domain land and mineral rights as incentive to build a railroad from Lake Superior to Puget Sound. Carr, alert to the development opportunities, decided to found a city at what he hoped would be the western terminus of the railroad. Carr, along with his sons Anthony and Howard, cleared land and built a cabin at what is now Old Town. In 1869 Job received a land grant of 168 acres in the area we know as Old Town today. His sons also received similar land grants that year. Carr became the first postmaster and his cabin served as the post office. He was also the first mayor.In 1868 Carr sold his Old Town property to Morton McCarver. In 1872 Carr filed for and received a Homestead Claim for 166 acres for a farm on the hillside above the new town, which became known as Job Carr's Hill. He built a farmhouse and fruit orchard. He lived here until 1884 when he moved to Olympia with his new wife. He appears to have returned to Tacoma about 1886 though it is not known if he returned to the farmhouse. He died in Tacoma in 1887. The farmhouse remained in the family until the last of the farm was subdivided and sold off in 1910. The farmhouse was torn down in 1920.The house that you see here now was built in 1920 as the home of noted Tacoma architect Roland Borhek. Borhek came to Tacoma in 1907 and worked here until he retired in 1942. Originally from Boston he came west in 1905 and became chief draftsman for Augustus Warren Gould of Seattle, designing several large buildings in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. In 1910 Borhek opened his own firm in Tacoma. He designed the Walker Hotel, along with the Rialto Theatre (1918), Puget Sound Bank Building (1912), and the Pacific Garage. He also designed Jason Lee Middle School (1924), possibly the first middle school in Washington State. He served as president of Tacoma Architects Association for a decade and was affiliated with the American Institute of Architects.For more on architect Roland Borhek and Tacoma pioneer Job Carr, follow the links below.

Here is the heart of the North Slope Historic District, the site of Tacoma pioneer Job Carr’s farmhouse (not to be confused with his first cabin in Old Town), fairly close to the center of his farm. This area was originally known as Job Carr’s Hill.The house that you see here now was built in 1920 as the home of noted Tacoma architect Roland Borhek.If you are enjoying the North Slope Historic District walking tour, turn right (North) on to North 9th Street for the next stop on the tour.

715 North Sheridan Ave (1920)

This area is known as “Miller’s Corner” after Albert Miller, a building contractor and apartment owner. Miller built the apartments at 915 (1922) and 909 (1911) North M Street, as well as 901 (1917) and 1215 North 9th Street (1918).The apartments have had several name changes though out the years: Orchid Apartments (1919–1933), Holly Apartments (1943–1980), and the current name McKellar was given in 1981. Miller also built the residences at 909 (1911) and 915 (1922) North M Street.

901 North M Street (1917)

1215 North 9th Street (1918)

This 1925 English Revival Cottage is almost Storybook in style, with its faux thatched roof. It was the home of Fred J. and Elizabeth Stabbert. Mr. Stabbert operated a plaster business. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and also served as the director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission.

815 North L Street (1925)

These two handsome Queen Anne homes are all that remains of twelve similar homes nicknamed “the twelve apostles.” Sadly, the Tacoma Housing Authority razed the other 10 “apostles” in the 1960s. They were designed by architects Bullard &amp; Haywood in 1892 for Tacoma tycoon Allen C. Mason.Lemuel T. Root was the building contractor for the houses, and was responsible for more than sixty residences in Tacoma. Root later attended a Baptist seminary in Kentucky and was pastor of many churches in the Northwest. The last building he constructed was the Baptist Church in Hoquiam. He is buried in the Old Tacoma Cemetery.Allen C. Mason came to Tacoma in 1883 with about $2.50 and quickly went into the real estate business. He eventually bought land along the bay in North Tacoma and built houses there. He built the first bridges across the gulches on North I and Proctor streets and gave them to the city so that streetcars could bring buyers to his properties. He was also heavily involved in electric and gas utilities. He was part owner of the Tacoma Hotel and gave the money to build the Elks Building. He had business interests throughout the Northwest

These two handsome Queen Anne homes are all that remains of twelve similar homes nicknamed “the twelve apostles.” Sadly, the Tacoma Housing Authority razed the other 10 “apostles” in the 1960s. They were designed by architects Bullard &amp; Haywood in 1892 for Tacoma tycoon Allen C. Mason. Lemuel T. Root was the building contractor for the houses, and was responsible for more than sixty residences in Tacoma.

901 & 903 North K Street (1892)

This 1888 residence is thought to be the only remaining house known to have been designed by Katherine Lockwood Squire, architect for the Tacoma Building Association. Squire was Washington’s first professional female architect and designed more than two-dozen buildings in Tacoma.Very little is known about Ms. Squire. It is thought that her husband may have been Frank O. Squire, the building inspector for the Tacoma Building and Savings Association. Ms. Squire left Tacoma in 1888; a newspaper account from the time period mentions her husband’s illness as the reason for moving. This was once the home of Deputy City Treasurer S. T. Armstrong.

Although altered, this 1888 residence is thought to be the only remaining house known to have been designed by Katherine Lockwood Squire, architect for the Tacoma Building Association. Squire was Washington’s first professional female architect in Washington State and designed more than two-dozen buildings in Tacoma.

1012 North 9th Street (1888)

All three of these Craftsman houses were built in 1925. 1005 was the home of Steve G. Victor, a native of Marmara, Greece. He worked at the Pacific Oyster and Fish Company at Tacoma’s Crystal Palace Market. Steve and his brothers purchased the business in 1928, renaming it the “Victor Brothers Fishmarket.” Steve was particularly active at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and was a co-founder of the organization. 1009 was the home of William and Mina Gray. William was involved with the Tacoma Kenworth Company, a commercial truck sales firm.

All three of these Craftsman houses were built in 1925.1005 was the home of Steve G. Victor, a native of Marmara, Greece. He worked at the Pacific Oyster and Fish Company at Tacoma’s Crystal Palace Market. Steve and his brothers purchased the business in 1928, renaming it the “Victor Brothers Fishmarket.” Steve was particularly active at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and was a co-founder of the organization.1009 was the home of William and Mina Gray. William was involved with the Tacoma Kenworth Company, a commercial truck sales firm.If you are enjoying the North Slope Historic District Walking Tour, turn right (East) onto J Street, and return to starting point.

Tacoma's North Slope Historic District

816 North J Street (1940)

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information