West Seattle midcentury becomes a $549K postmodern redux

Take a 1954 house in West Seattle, give it and the yard a massive remodel, and turn it into a “postmodern redux.” Maybe it will be simpler to think of it as a four bedroom, one and three-quarter bathroom, modern house “Built Green” because it looks like the remodeling is so extensive that it is more new than old.

John L. Scott

The $549,000 price gets you a tankless hot water system, a heat pump that also cools, new appliances, and seemingly new surfaces everywhere. Quartz counters backed by glass tiles, handles and railings that are more likely to be metal than wood, shiny kitchen and bathroom cabinets, all reinforce the modernity. The colors are shades of winter tones, fine as is, but also readily shifted with accents.

John L. Scott

Nods to the original house are the hardwood flooring, probably the fireplace’s location, and the general layout. You may have to dig into the foundation or the wall to find anything that looks old. Ask the neighbors, they may know the history.

John L. Scott

Even the outside is modern. Instead of a lawn, the remainder of the 2,086 square foot lot is dedicated to an ornamental garden plus a stone driveway/parking strip. Tall wood fencing marks the border with the neighbor. Shorter, stouter fencing cordons off the entrance to the front door and also provides a space for kids and pets that can’t climb much - or at least keeps the neighbor’s dogs off that much of your property.

Being well-enough situated in West Seattle to get a Walk Score of 82 suggesting that, if you can’t find what you need in the house, it may be a short walk away.

• 9033 17 Ave SW [Estately]