Fisher Studio Building
Fischer Studio Building – A Historical Landmark – Construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1915. The first 6 floors were built as a combination of music studios, residences for artists. In addition there was commercial space for music related businesses – Bush and Lane Piano Company. The 7th and 8th floors were added to house the performance hall, lounge and guest suite.
The Fischer Studio Building has been in the heart of downtown Seattle since construction started in 1912 This book will look at the past, present and future of this marvelous historic building.
Fischer Studio
Pike Place Market
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The picture on the right shows 3rd Ave between Pike and Pine looking north before the Fischer Studio was built. The picture in the lower left is the building after its completion in 1915 but before the Olympic Tower Building. The bottom right shows the block after the Olympic Tower Tower was built in 1931.
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Today it stands in a block of historic buildings. The facade is an outstanding example of what then was a new building material ivory-colored glazed Terra Cotta cladding and ornamentation. The detailing exhibits a Venetian-inspired architectural style.
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Who Built, Designed & Restored
Fischer Studios was named after its developer, George W. Fischer. After moving to Seattle from Chicago in 1887, Fischer became a successful grocer and civic promoter. In his later years, he turned to real estate development as well as social welfare work. Architect Charles H. Bebb was the first of several architects to contribute to the design of the building. Bebb settled in Seattle in 1883 after working in Chicago in decorative terra cotta manufacturing & design. Work he continued after moving to Seattle. From 1901 to 1914, he partnered with Seattle architect Louis Mendel and from 1914 to 1939, he partnered with architect Charles Gould. Both partnerships resulted in some of Seattle's most significant homes, hotels, office buildings and commercial structures. Architect Louis Mendel emigrated from Germany in 1882 and made Seattle his home in 1899.. In 1914 he and architect Charles Bebb formed a partnership.
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Architect Carl Gould arrived to Seattle in 1908 after time in San Francisco, New York as well as in Paris where he attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1914 he founded and led the University of Washington's Department of Architecture. His most productive work occurred during his partnership with Charles H. Bebb, which spanned 1914-1939. Architect George W. Lawton arrived in Seattle around 1886, initially working as a draftsman for the architectural firm of Saunders & Houghton. By 1889, he emerged as a partner with Charles Saunders. Architect Ralph D. Anderson graduated in 1951 from the University of Washington with a degree in architecture. He began his career working for preeminent Pacific Northwest architect Paul Kirk with whom he later formed a partnership. He is best known for his work of restoring historic buildings in Seattle. He could see the beauty and potential in neighborhoods where the older buildings had been left to decay. He brought life back not only to the buildings but to the their neighborhoods. He is also know as one of the fathers of Pacific Northwest Regionalism, a form known for its use of wood and other natural materials in home design.
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Fischer Studio still retains its architectural beauty. The individuals who built, designed, restored and have lived in it have been part of the fabric of Seattle’s civic, business, and art world.
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The following pages depict some of the residences and spaces within the building as they exist today.
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Fischer Studios centers your life in urban Seattle. Sporting a Walk score of 98 and a Transit score of 100, there is virtually no human necessity nor luxury that is not available within three blocks of your home. Put away your car and focus on living, working and playing in one of Seattle's most dynamic location.Â
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Every thing you can think of is at your door step. The Pike Street Market, restaurants, grocery stores, Benaroya Hall, the Triple Door, Starbucks, zip cars, bus stops, light rail, parking if you need it.
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The Fischer Studio Building is in the heart of a transforming neighborhood. Not only with the changes we saw on the on previous page on Third Ave. But all around it with new hotels, apartments, condos, mix use, retail, and office space. Coupled with the recent development associated with the Waterfront and the Pike/Pine Corridor.
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Mary M. Welk, J.D. Broker Windermere R.E. Wall St 206.495.1478 maryw@windermere.com
For More Information Penny J. Lewis, Realtor Broker Windermere R.E. Wall St 206.650.5926 pjlewis@windermere.com
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Tucked away in the heart of downtown Seattle amongst a block of Historic Buildings The Fischer Studio Building - with its gargoyles stands watch over Seattle.
Mary M. Welk, J.D. and Penny J. Lewis, Realtor Brokers Windermere R.E. Wall Street Mary 206.495.1478 Penny 206 650 5926