/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55141673/025.0.jpg)
British Columbia-born Arnold G. Gangnes was one of the most beloved architects of the northwest’s midcentury modern building boom. His influence is apparent in many pockets of the Puget Sound, including this three-bedroom West Seattle house, which he designed in 1951.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646889/043.jpg)
The house is tucked away just a couple of blocks off the main drag in North Admiral, less than a mile from Gangnes’s own West Seattle home. Its placement just as the road begins to wind down a hill lends itself well to the midcentury style, which relishes hillside views.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646847/003.jpg)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646831/051.jpg)
Inside, expect simple ornaments common in early-1950s modern homes, like a wood-slat opening by the door that separates hallway from the main living area, or a full-length textured glass window by the front door. In the living room, a wood-panel accent wall frames a mostly-recessed stone fireplace.
A wall of hillside windows face trees, the water, and downtown.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646947/053.jpg)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646951/057.jpg)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646923/059.jpg)
The dining area is nestled in a nook just off the living room—opposite the fireplace, so dinner parties can benefit from its warmth. It’s connected directly to the kitchen through a wide, open doorway and a small serving bar.
In the kitchen, cabinets, which appear to be original, create dramatic shapes. More textured glass adds an accent between cabinet and counter. A small breakfast nook sits in a corner just off the kitchen for more casual dining.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646979/055.jpg)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8646969/065.jpg)
The living room leads out into a large deck—practically a second living room outdoors—overlooking green space and, in a pocket of trees, the Seattle skyline.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8647063/015.jpg)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8647043/047.jpg)
The effect is not unlike the forested midcenturies common on the Eastside—but much closer to the action, with two grocery stores, a whole mess of bars and restaurants, the Admiral Theater, and multiple bus lines within just a few blocks.
The work of a significant Seattle architect, downtown views, and 2,600 square feet of living space are listed for under a million: $900,000.
- 2510 Walnut Ave SW [Windermere]
- Arnold G. Gangnes [DAHP]