Followup: End appears near for “Ivar’s house” in Upper Alki

One month ago, we covered the training fires at the 59th SW (on the slope south of Admiral Way) house once owned by West Seattle’s legendary Ivar Haglund (yes, if you’re just joining us, THE Ivar). The owner had offered the house to the Seattle Fire Department because of its impending demolition. If you want one last look, time appears to be running out — it looks like the rest of the demolition work is not far away; we noticed the shown-above backhoe while driving by yesterday, and went back this evening for a photo (this is taken from the west side of the house). A new, larger house is planned for the property; here’s one more look at the photos sent to us last month by Seattle historian Paul Dorpat (first, the house in 2003; then, its official survey photo from the ’30s):

cathyw May 29, 2009 (6:12 am)

Thanks for posting this Tracy. I saw the backhoe parked in the alley the other day as well. It’s just really sad for our neighborhood…….

Stephanie May 29, 2009 (6:50 am)

argh. This tears me up everytime I read about it. I still want to know why it was never declared a landmark home. Tracy?

wseye May 29, 2009 (7:37 am)

Does anybody know what will be replacing this house?

intheneighborhood May 29, 2009 (8:21 am)

I live close by and checked out the plans via the Seattle DPD. It’s going to be an atrocity — like several large McHouses pasted together. Unless the owner happens to get a sense of taste (and social responsibility) in the meantime.

WSB May 29, 2009 (8:27 am)

I don’t know that anyone ever applied for landmark designation. Older single-family homes don’t have to be reviewed for that when demolition applications are made. Also, wrt the plans, I have to doublecheck the address. Thought I had linked to them in previous coverage, but no. The historic photo says 3310, in which case this is the page:
http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/default.aspx?a=3310,,59TH,AVE,SW

Mr. Cynical May 29, 2009 (8:27 am)

Oooh! A bigger house! That’s what West Seattle needs, more bigger houses! Bigger houses are SO great! That will show the world that big important people with lots of money live here! People with money really are better than other people, you know, and god truly does like them more. Hopefully it will block some neighbor’s views and come within inches of the property line! Seriously, if you didn’t block other peoples views, how would anyone know how important you are and how much money you have? Be sure to leave room for your giant Dino Rossi and Sarah Palin signs come next election! BTW, who’s Ivar?