Better Know a Neighborhood – Magnolia, Seattle
Magnolia is a utopia for fans of mid-century modern architecture and double-level glass boxes with low, sheltering A-frame roofs are ubiquitous on its slopes. The structures are modest and practical, all while taking advantage of the sweeping city, sound and mountain views.
[Photos by BUILD LLC]
Known for its manicured landscapes, Magnolia is home to some of Seattle’s most pleasant parks. Ella Bailey Park on the south-east side offers an incredible view of Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle. Discovery Park at the northwest corner is expansive enough to allow us urbanites a chance to get out of the city without leaving town. The visitor center below by Miller Hull welcomes visitors to the northeast entrance of the park.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
One of the best examples of Pacific Northwest mid-century modern architecture is the Magnolia library designed by Kirk Wallace McKinley & Associates in 1964 with landscape design by Richard Haag. The interior is furnished with solid walnut tables and chairs custom designed by George Nakashima (props to Mike who pointed us in the right direction here).
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
The library was added to in 2007 by Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss, Architects. For furniture in line with Nakashima’s design philosophy, head over to 16th Workshop who’s owners had a hand in the library updates.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
The community center of Magnolia also upholds some handsome examples of modern design. The post office still displays that classic high-relief steel lettering reminiscent of Neutra.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
Our Lady of Fatima church offers the organic architectures common of the 1960’s.
[Photos by BUILD LLC]
Houses in Magnolia are well maintained and because of their architectural purity the occasional remodels are careful and intentional. This addition to the house below is deliberately crafted in an alternative siding material to differentiate new from existing.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
BUILD LLC had the honor of remodeling a great mid-century modern residence in Magnolia quite recently. Kevin Eckert led the charge on the modern updates to this 1950s residence. Read more about this particular project here and here.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
There is plenty of traditional architecture in Magnolia, at the same time the community seems open to modern, forward-thinking architecture. Perhaps this is because good examples of modern design have been part of the built environment for nearly 60 years.
[Photos by BUILD LLC]
The Eaton Residence by Eric Cobb has a forward thinking composition that we could have taken photos of all day.
[Photos by BUILD LLC]
Even the multi-family structures have a nice composition to them; this apartment building uses a simple structural grid to organize the façade and overlooks interbay and the Cascades.
[Photos by BUILD LLC]
Pb Elemental has a sharp project just finishing up on the east side of Dravus with spectacular city and mountain views.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
On Magnolia’s south side is the new cruise ship terminal by Patano Hafermann Architects. The new facility features steel panels that filter the light and walls of glass to allow visitors a clear view of Seattle.
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
Let us know what we missed and stay tuned for our next post which will feature the architecture of Discovery Park.
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By mike, July 16, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
i didn’t notice this, but the SHKS addition detail you snagged makes the concrete wall look like it could slide… now that’d be awesome (btw, the maria magdalena church in freiburg, DE does exactly that: http://www.you-are-here.com/europe/magdalena.jpg)
the butterfly roof-ed structure near the energy intensive e. cobb cantilever is by rhodes, i think.
some other projects in magnolia:
magnolia residence, david vandervort
http://st.houzz.com/simages/22705_0_4-7798-modern-exterior.jpg
george suyama, magnolia residence
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2004/1114/living.html
stuart silk, salmon bay landing
http://www.stuartsilk.com/commercial/projects.106.html
By dave, July 18, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
nice magnolian montage.
happy to call magnolia home.
By Gus, July 19, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Thanks for the post guys. I’ve always found Magnolia to be insulated enough from the rest of the city to avoid the fashion and ridiculous trends in architecture. There’s a nice timeless quality about the neighborhood.
By Build LLC, July 19, 2009 @ 9:17 am
@ Mike – great links. That Salmon Bay building is a nice addition, heading back to check that one out in person.
By Richter, July 19, 2009 @ 11:30 am
I appreciate that you guys take your own photos for the blog rather than just regurgitating the same images that are already on the internet. It’s nice to constantly see original writing and photos on the BUILDblog.
By TDI, July 19, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Magnolia is full of nice examples of mid-century modern homes, most of them need some serious updates though. The kitchens and baths aren’t nearly as timeless as the exteriors.
By mike, July 20, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
I had an offer to check the salmon bay project out during construction but got too busy. It’s not bad, especially with how awful some of the larger commercial projects in the city have turned out lately.
The magnolia house is Rhodes:
http://www.rhodesarchitecture.com/projects/magnoliagardens