DEVELOPMENT: Comment time for 42nd/Genesee project

(King County Assessor’s Office photo of current building at 4401 42nd SW)

The formal application for 4401 42nd SW – described as “a 5-story apartment building with 72 small efficiency dwelling units and 5 live-work units,” plus 36 offstreet-parking spaces – has been filed, and that opens a new comment period. This notice (PDF) explains how to comment, with a deadline of December 18th. This is a general comment period; there will also be another chance for input, but only regarding its design, when the project goes back before the Southwest Design Review Board, date TBA. Here’s our report on that board’s first look at the project back in September. The building would replace a West Seattle Christian Church-owned building, with past uses including a school and artist studios, on the southwest corner of 42nd/Genesee, across from Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

9 Replies to "DEVELOPMENT: Comment time for 42nd/Genesee project"

  • Calires December 8, 2019 (9:04 pm)

    That’s such a cool mid-century building, it’s a shame they can’t turn it into apartments.  But I know that’s not what we do in Seattle.  Bulldoze and put up something where people can’t differentiate their building from the one on the next block.

    • mw December 9, 2019 (7:28 am)

      Totally. One of my favorite designs in the neighborhood for sure. Next up: a building called “The Mason” or “Bixby’s Landing”, or “Jeff”  probably.

    • KM December 9, 2019 (7:47 am)

      Do you feel this way about only new construction? Because we have blocks and blocks of similar Craftman homes all over this city. 

  • Chris dyer December 8, 2019 (11:13 pm)

    First off, that building is worth zip architecturally. Happy to see a building that comes with off street parking.

    • John December 9, 2019 (12:30 pm)

      Respectfully Chris Dyer, you have expressed your opinion.  But that building when one looks at it, is unique.  I can think of nothing else in West Seattle, or Seattle,  similar to this strong example of mid-century modern architecture.  It represents many of the concepts that defined early modernism that are even more popular now. It is sad to see such architectural history removed.

  • Plf December 9, 2019 (1:30 am)

    Did the church sell the property or they are developing and will own/ manage the apartments

  • Airwolf December 9, 2019 (9:22 am)

    Any bycicle spots?

  • valvashon December 9, 2019 (7:38 pm)

    Will be sad to see this one go.  The previous posters are correct- this one was built in 1956 and is a great example of Mid-Century Modern design.  From the “blade” in front to the large, rectangular windows (uniquely, for the time period, running lengthwise on the building instead of crosswise, if you will) and the curved masonry on the left side- it’s all very period.  And it’s coming down and something undoubtedly more dull will take it’s place.  Visit it while you can, I will.

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