Seattle Picks Up the Hammer: A Kindergarten, a Church and a Dozen New Homes

A good indicator of returning prosperity and confidence in the city is revealed in the building boom that has set in. Most of the buildings are residences in different parts of the city, all of which will be modern and up to date.

Probably the building that will attract the most attention is the Bailey Gatzert memorial free kindergarten, the ground for which is already broken on Twelfth and Norman streets, and which is being erected by Mrs. Bailey Gatzert. A German church is also being built on the corner of Tenth and Stewart streets that will add to the beauty of that neighborhood. In nearly all these buildings native fir is used almost exclusively. This lumber is selected and put through a certain process for the purpose of taking out the pitch, which makes a magnificent finish almost as hard as oak. It has almost entirely supplanted the old cedar which was formerly the leading building material for interiors used in this city.

The Bailey Gatzert memorial free kindergarten is leased by Mrs. Gatzert and is situated in an admirable locality for an institution of this kind; many poor families live in that portion of the city. The building is to be a two-story modern structure and will, when finished, be about 100 feet square. The first story will contain two large school rooms, reception and toilet rooms and closets. The rooms upstairs will be arranged for the teacher and furnished with every convenience. It is understood that Mrs. Gatzert will personally endow the institution and provide the best of teachers. J. C. Elward is the architect and builder.

The church being erected for the Germans on the corner of Tenth and Stewart streets is nearly completed, and while not large, will be an attractive edifice. The main room will seat about [200] people and will be finished in native fir. Immediately back of the main room will be the pastor's study, and the Sunday-school room will be in the [rear] and will be large and airy. The cost of the building is estimated at $6,000.

Alderman H. H. Glise is having a colonial house built on Bradley street, Queen Anne Hill, which is nearly finished. The house has a full brick basement with a furnace and all appliances for laundry use. The first story has five large rooms and a spacious reception hall. On the second floor there are five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a number of closets. The servant's room is in the attic. The entire interior is finished in native fir. The estimated cost is $3,500.

Dr. F. M. Conn's house on the corner of Tenth and Cherry streets is nearing completion. It has a full brick basement with all modern appliances and is two stories high. On the first floor there are four large rooms, all finished in oak, and a reception hall. On the second floor there are four rooms, and a bath and dressing room, with the servant's room in the attic. The estimated cost is $[10,000].

Winfield H. Smith is having built a two-story cottage on Hyde street, in [Denny] addition. There is a full brick basement and on the first floor there are six large rooms, reception hall and bathroom. The second story will have five bedrooms and bathroom. The cottage commands a fine view of the Olympic mountains and Lake Washington. The cost is $3,500.

Two residences are being erected on Twelfth street, south of the University, for Bernard Pelly and W. A. Peters. The style of architecture is similar in the two houses. They both have full brick basements completely fitted with modern appliances, and have two stories and an attic. The estimated cost of each is $[4,000].