South Seattle: No Home Is An Island

Over a century old and stuck on a stand-alone residential block just off Rainier Avenue, this home feels at odds with itself. Inside it looks hauntingly like a U District rental property I once knew and I got the sense that over the past 100 years it has served as many residents as student housing might, each leaving an indelible mark that has yet to be made into a cohesive whole.

On the first floor I liked the dark stain that’s on most of the woodwork and I was heartened to learn there are hardwoods under the carpets. I didn’t really dig the kitchen; it’s new but kind of dark and I’m just not a fan of Corian. The lovely high ceilings are unfortunately covered with sparkly popcorn which adds a touch of unattractive glitz. The bath on this level is located off the dining room and you have to take a step up to access it. I found it to be a bit cramped and had to wonder at the recessed cupboard built in to the wall opposite the showerhead. The upstairs master bedroom has a large walk-in closet with views of a busy intersection and (on a clear day) a glimpse of the Cascades.

Despite a covering layer of Astroturf, the front steps are showing some wear and I think they will soon become treacherous. About half of the 3,000 sq. ft.* lot is paved over to provide a driveway/carport and a small covered patio space in the back.

I suspect the proximity to Rainier Avenue will be the major hindrance in selling this home. It’s just too close to hectic street traffic and as one of only two residences on this strip of S Genesee it feels very isolated without being at all private.

$448,000
Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.*: 1,570
$/Sq. Ft.*: $285
Last Sale Price: $74,500 (May 1990)
* Information from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed.