View of eight-story reinforced concrete apartment house, "Sky Terrace," on October 19, 1961. Located at 235 Broadway with views of Commencement Bay, it was designed by well-known architect Robert Billsbrough Price. O & M Builders Supply was listed as the builder with Ostruske -Murphy, Inc., as contractors. All one and two-bedroom units would have balconies at the rear of the building. Photograph ordered by O & M Builders.
Exterior - Thunderbird Garden Apartments. The Thunderbird Garden Apartments used a Northwest Indian motif as a decoration on the building's cedar-sided exterior. The 51-unit complex was built in 1961 in close proximity to the Thunderbird Shopping Center on Steilacoom Blvd. Each section of the apartment complex was no more than two stories high. All apartments had all-electric kitchens and heating and had insulated and soundproof ceilings and walls. Wall to wall carpeting was provided in the spacious living rooms and bedrooms. In addition, all the one and two bedroom units were pre-wired for phone and television. Parking was convenient with spaces located in the back of each unit. A luxurious swimming pool and tennis courts provided the residents with a country club atmosphere. Rents ranged from $75-135, unfurnished, with additional cost for furnishings. Photograph ordered by Thunderbird Investment Corporation. (TNT 3-26-61, B-8, TNT full page ad 8-20-61, B-9, B-10)
New construction by Dean Lyster Construction Co. This home in the University Estates subdivision was included in the 12th annual Tour of Homes held in mid-August, 1961. It was one of eighteen new homes on display in the tour sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. The "modern colonial" featured a recreation and family room with sliding glass doors to the rear court, separate living room with colonial fireplace, tile entry, oak paneling, 1.5 baths, and a two-car attached garage wtih automatic electric door available. It was heated with natural gas. Photograph ordered by Dean Lyster Construction Co. (TNT 8-18-61, C-1, TNT 8-27-61, B-3)
This row of classic older homes was photographed on behalf of architects Liddle & Jones on June 29, 1961. They, and others, were located on South Yakima, between Sixth Avenue and 8th St. Home in the center of photograph appears to be of the Queen Anne style. The large home was constructed mostly of brick with steeply pitched gabled roof, dormers, and a turret. Built on a smoothly sloped lot, it is separated from neighboring homes by hedges.
Pearson, Anderson & Pearson of the Rust Bldg. requested photographs of the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Stevens to be taken shortly before noon on June 24, 1961. These photographs were to be used in the case of William Heath vs. Yellow Cab. Bob's S&S Tire Service and the Narrows Bowling Alley can be seen on the left side of the street. A man and a woman are waiting, possibly for the bus, at the Sixth Ave. Drugstore on the right. TPL-9167
Contemporary home with beautiful view of the Narrows Bridge, ca. 1961. Apparently built on a hillside, this modern home appears to have large skylights and a two-car garage. Two vehicles are parked nearby. This is the home of George Franklin at 636 No. Fairview Dr., and was built for him by famed Tacoma architect, Robert Billsbrough Price about 1956. Mr. Price built schools, temples and even a fire station. The William Weaver family were the second owners of the home, living there from about 1972 to 2003. (Additional information provided by a reader)
ca. 1961. Side-view from south Stadium Way of eight-story reinforced concrete apartment building under construction in early 1961, taken as scenic and stock footage for 1961. GMC truck with "Lantz" painted on it is on sidewalk area in front of building. These are the Sky Terrace Apartments located at 235 Broadway. The balconies are on the rear of the building. Robert Billsbrough Price was the architect, O & M Builders Supply the builder, and Ostruske-Murphy, Inc., the contractor of the project.
Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Apartment houses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sky Terrace Apartments (Tacoma);
ca. 1961. 1961 scenic and stock footage. Sky Terrace Apartments, an eight-story reinforced concrete structure, under construction in early 1961. The 39-unit apartment building was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price with Ostruske-Murphy, Inc. as contractors. The $750,000 structure would consist of one and two bedroom apartments with views of Commencement Bay. This view is of the rear of the Sky Terrace. The building was expected to be completed in July, 1961. (TNT 1-25-61, B-4)
Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Apartment houses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sky Terrace Apartments (Tacoma);
Exterior of Parkland home. Several homes on 138th St. E. in Parkland were photographed on September 1, 1960, for George Barclay. Barclay was the primary builder for the 90-acre Mayfair Estates. This bungalow-styled home was located at 1226 - 138th St. E. and featured an unusual balcony and one-car attached garage. Small bushes and shrubs surrounded the wood-framed building. This home was featured as part of the 1960 Fall Tour of Homes sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Built on the corner of North 5th and Yakima Avenue by owner Phil Baldasare, the Vista Palms Apartments were considered an ultra modern complex in August, 1960. Units on all four floors overlooked a charming courtyard which contained palm trees saved from the William F. Sheard mansion which had occupied this location. The Mission style Sheard home, designed by Russell and Babcock, was demolished in 1959 to make way for the apartments. A full page ad in the News Tribune indicated that an open house would be held on August 21, 1960, to view the 24-unit $500,000 apartment complex. (TNT 8-21-60, B-6, B-7)
Vista Palms Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Palms--Tacoma;
Side view of Vista Palms Apartments. The ultra modern Vista Palms Apartments were built in 1959 by Phil Baldasare. On the ends of the four-story units were concrete building blocks that would provide both insulation and noise control. The apartments were built at the corner of No. 5th and Yakima Ave. on the site of the former Wm. F. Sheard Spanish Mission mansion. The palm trees he had planted were saved when the mansion was demolished and were featured in the apartment's courtyard. Each of the one and two bedroom units had built-in kitchens and wall-to-wall carpeting. Built at a cost of $500,000, the 24-units had marine and mountain views. Photograph ordered by Graystone of Tacoma. (TNT 8-21-60, B-6. B-7)
Vista Palms Apartments (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Palms--Tacoma;
Displayed under sunny August, 1960, skies is a new L-shaped rambler. This wood-framed home is either 1506 North Orchard or its neighbor, 1512 North Orchard. According to the small sign placed on one end, Stan Warp Realty is the listed agent. A long driveway leads directly to a covered attached carport. The home is so new that no landscaping appears to have been done. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
This contemporary rambler style home was built in the Skyline Terrace housing development by Miller Construction Co. It was used as a model home in 1960. The home appeared to have a daylight basement and either an adjoining or adjacent garage. Skyline Terrace was an eighty million dollar, 1500 home development with views of the city, Narrows, and mountains.
Model houses--Tacoma; Houses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Miller Construction Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
In November of 1959, Verla White was photographed selecting art prints for the imported grasscloth wall in her new apartment at the Finisterre Apartments. The modernistic Finisterre (meaning "lands end") was built in 1959 by Stromberg Building Enterprises, who served as builder, architect and contractor. It was completed on November 20, 1959. The building was located at the north corner of 6th and No. Jackson, overlooking Puget Sound and the Narrows Bridge. Each apartment had soundproofing, wall-to-wall carpeting, draperies, built-in colored appliances and ceramic tile baths. Five color schemes were available. There were a total of 20 one and two bedroom suites. The one bedrooms rented for $105- 127.50, the two bedrooms for $120-127.50. They could be rented furnished or unfurnished. The building was sold to C. William Brasier prior to opening. (TNT 9/20/1959, pg. B-6; 11/8/1959, pg. B-4-B-5-photograph & article on Finisterre)
The modernistic Finisterre was built in 1959 by Stromberg Building Enterprises, who served as builder, architect and contractor. It was completed on November 20, 1959. The court apartments were labeled "Century 21 Architecture." The building was a four story court type structure with 22 suites, including 2 penthouses. The penthouses were originally occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Harbke and Dr. and Mrs. Frank Unmack. The building offered panoramic views of the Puget Sound and the Narrows. The exterior was viking brick accented with modern panels and 18 foot contemporary seahorses on the 6th Avenue side. The suspended, motel-like cantilever decks and stairs were built of structural steel and concrete with a paneled railing for safety. The court area included a contemporary pool and an original design fountain garden was the focal point of the courtyard. Finisterre means "lands end." The building was located at 6th and No. Jackson. TPL-7913 (TNT 11/8/1959, pg. B-4- B-5)
The former Yorktheimer residence, 27 Broadway, taken from Stadium Way; the rear entrance to the home. The ornate home was built in 1887 in the florid style of the eighties. The home was occupied by the Cardin and Chambers families. In 1910, it served as the home of the Gatlin Institute and its alcoholism cure. The home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yorktheimer in 1918. The family, consisting of the mother, father and four daughters, moved in on Armistice Day. The 16 room house had an elaborate interior with a massive staircase of hardwood, huge paneled wooden doors and intricately carved wooden lacework. One of the daughters, Miss Blanche Yorktheimer, still resided in the house until 1959. The home was bought by a trio of investors and demolished in 1959 to make way for the 12 story, 108 unit apartment building, Belmont Terrace. (TNT 8/30/1959, pg. 1) TPL-9850
A trio of Broadway buildings, taken from the year entrances on Stadium Way. On the left is the Broadway Apartments at 21 Broadway. The Broadway apartments were built in 1928 based on a Gothic design by architect Stanley Shaw. They were trimmed in Wilkeson sandstone. According to the 1958 City Directory, it had 42 apartments. In the center is the former Yorktheimer home. The 16 room mansion was built in 1887 in the ornate style of the excessive eighties. It was purchased in 1918 by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yorktheimer. In 1958, it was still occupied by one of the daughters, Miss Blanche Yorktheimer, who listed her profession as music teacher. This home was demolished to make room for the 108 unit Belmont Terrace apartment building. To the right is an unnamed 7 unit apartment building which was also demolished.
The Ansonia Apartments, ordered by Ward Smith Inc. TPL-4577. This beautiful example of German- English Renaissance architecture was built in 1914 at an original cost of $135,000. The apartments were designed by the architecture firm of Heath & Gove. Designed as city dwellings for the elite, the building even featured burglar-proof vaults for their jewels and treasures. In 1939, the building was purchased by the Rhodes Investment Company. It became famous for its lush roof top garden. The building has an arched canopy that reaches into Tacoma Ave. No. to shield residents from the elements as they alight from their carriages, and later vehicles. It has several balconies.
Harbor Terrace Apartments, ordered by Ward Smith Inc. These modern apartments were built in 1951 with lots of floor to ceiling glass and balconies to take in the water view. The apartments are terraced so that no apartment blocks the view of the one behind it.
The new home of Karl and Ruth Johnson at 11309 Loma Place in Rhododendron Lanes. The rambler has a cottage style peaked roof and cross hatched window panes. It features a wide driveway and a two car garage. Picture ordered by Cole & Weber, Bob Harrison.
Two children play outside on the swingset behind this view home designed by Miller Construction and located in Panorama Park. Large windows cover the rear of the home to take in the inspiring view of the Narrows Bridge. The home appears to be a split level, the address is unknown.
This large tri-level was located in Skyline Terrace and built by Miller Construction. The 30 million, 1500 home subdivision was designed by Ed Miller. This large home features additional living space over the two car garage.
This one story rambler with its attached one car garage was built by Miller Construction in Skyline Terrace. The 1500 home project, designed by Ed Miller, featured homes of many designs and price ranges. This home was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Tom McGraw. A community recreation center was being planned by Miller for the addition. It would have 2 pools, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a picnic area and a large clubhouse. A family membership would be included with the home purchase.
Exterior shot of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso," taken at night with flaring gas torches for light. The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located in Glenwood Acres in Lakewood. This shot is taken from the patio area, with its privacy fence, looking into the glass walled living room area. The home was a "whole site" development, where the entire site was incorporated into the home. The patio area is extensively landscaped. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
The exterior of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The fenced patio lies to the left of the two car carport. Another fenced outdoor living space is in the back of the home. These areas are fenced with an opaque material for privacy. The use of the outdoors as additional living space for this small home won it national awards. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
Interior of the living room of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The home was decorated for the Home Show by his wife and fellow architect Joan Price. The furniture is the square, spare, utilitarian style of the fifties. The glassed wall and door at the rear of the living room leads to the outdoor living space, screened for privacy. The house features an open floorplan where one room flows into another & then continues on to the outdoor living spaces. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Living rooms--Lakewood--1950-1960;
Interior shot of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located in Glenwood Acres. The home was decorated by Price's wife and fellow architect Joan Price. The home was noted for its open floor plan and integration of the outdoors as a living space. In this picture, the centrally located kitchen flows into the dining area and out the glass doors to the outdoor patio. A white privacy plastic screen-fence protects the homeowners from curious eyes. The home later won national awards for its use of space and the outdoors. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
This one story home has a view of the mountains through its one car carport. It is located in scenic Skyline Terrace. Skyline Terrace was designed by developer Ed Miller and was noted for its views. This home is made of brick, cedar and siding. The home had already been sold to its first owner Claude Harris.
The exterior of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. A firm believer in the theory that good fences make good neighbors, Price has carried this one step further with glassed walls that look out onto patios, fenced with transluscent multi-colored plastic screens as high as the roofline for privacy. The home has two fenced areas, one off the kitchen-dining area for outside dining and one off the living room area. The home later won national awards for its use of space and privacy. It also has numerous skylights allowing for the introduction of natural lighting. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
The identifying sign for the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The unveiling of the model home was an integral part of the Tacoma Master Builders Association's Home Show. The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located near the community pool in Glenwood Acres. A fine example of contemporary architecture, the home had won a design citation by Progressive Architecture magazine, from a field of 600. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 27+)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
