In September 1948, 62,559 residents in Tacoma had telephones; this number would continue to increase as the phone company got closer to completing their expansion and improvement program. The telephone growth rate was three times as fast as before and during World War II. The Fawcett building was four stories with a basement of steel frame construction, fireproof and reinforced concrete with brick and terra cotta facing; the building addition was at the rear of the main building. View of building progress at the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company; scaffolding provided by the Safway Steel Scaffolding Company.
Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company began enlarging and expanding their communications center before World War II, the war slowed the process due to inability to obtain necessary materials. The improvement program was estimated to cost about $25,000,000. Every telephone district in Tacoma would get new dial and long distance equipment and telephone lines would be extended. View of building progress at the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph facilities located at 757 Fawcett Avenue, scaffolding provided by Safway Steel Scaffolding Company.
Pietro Belluschi amazed the world with his modern office building in Portland, Oregon. The Equitable Building, later known as the Commonwealth Building, was an ethereal tower of sea green glass and aluminum. This was the first skyscraper to be built in over twenty five years in Portland. Aerial view of Portland's downtown business district.
Commercial facilities--Oregon--Portland; Office buildings--Oregon--Portland; Architecture--Oregon--Portland; Architects; Belluschi, Pietro; Equitable Building (Portland, Or.); Commonwealth Building (Portland, Or.);
The Equitable Building, later known as the Commonwealth Building, was completed in 1948. It was a completely modern office building, twelve stories high, built in the International style, but was called "distinctly American". Aerial view of Portland's downtown business district; the Willamette River separates the downtown and Old Town area from the east side of the city; view of Mount Hood in background.
Commercial facilities--Oregon--Portland; Office buildings--Oregon--Portland; Architecture--Oregon--Portland; Architects; Belluschi, Pietro; Equitable Building (Portland, Or.); Commonwealth Building (Portland, Or.); Hood, Mount (Or.);
January of 1949 view of building construction on Market Street; Wild Cat Bargain Center and Neal's Radio Sales Company are located next to the construction site; the building site is marked with a Roy T. Earley Company "Engineers -- Builders" sign. Neal's Radio Sales Company advertises their electric appliances; Wild Cat Bargain Center appears to be a grocery store and soda fountain; an "Olympia Beer" and West Coast Grocery Company truck is parked in front. TPL-10534
Commercial facilities--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Neal's Radio Sales Co. (Tacoma); Wild Cat Bargain Center (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Exterior view of George and Alice Franklin's home, located in Tacoma's Stadium district at 425 Tacoma Avenue North, taken on January 5, 1949. The Franklin's home was awarded second place in the 1947 Tacoma Times House Beautiful contest. View of beautifully maintained lawns, rose garden is located on right side of driveway, view of the Franklin Greenhouse.
Houses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gardens--Tacoma; Lawns--Tacoma; Yards--Tacoma; Greenhouses--Tacoma; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stadium District (Tacoma); Franklin, George G.--Homes & haunts;
George G. Franklin was the owner of Franklin Food Stores, a Tacoma grocery and meat store. Franklin Food Stores had five locations located throughout Tacoma. George G. was married to Alice S. Franklin, they lived at 425 Tacoma Avenue North, in Tacoma's Stadium District. Exterior view of the Franklin home, two large trees frame the view of the house, greenhouse on right.
Interior view of home designed by Wollander Better Builder Plans and built by Wollander Farwest Homes. The living room is decorated with a matching sofa and chair; the brick fireplace gives the room a warm and cozy feel, a closet with shelves is located by the bedrooms in background.
Prefabricated houses; Housing--Tacoma; Closets--Tacoma; Living rooms--Tacoma; Seating furniture--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
Exterior view of a Wollander Farwest prefabricated house; view of driveway and stepping stones leading to the main entrance of house. This house was constructed with prefabricated plywood panels, and likely built in just a few days. In 1946 Farwest Homes stated they would be building approximately 25-100 homes daily; these homes were being purchased by new families.
Prefabricated houses; Housing--Tacoma; Driveways--Tacoma; Yards--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
Interior view of Wollander Farwest Home; view of living room with matching shag trimmed sectional sofa, shag rug, curtains, fireplace and end tables. The kitchen has white cabinets, a three burner stove and oven, a single sided sink and a washing machine located on left side of sink; there was likely a utility room where refrigerator was kept.
Prefabricated houses; Housing--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Living rooms--Tacoma; Seating furniture--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
Most of the Wollander Farwest Homes built were two bedroom family homes in Tacoma and the surrounding area. The January 1949 Tacoma Times advertised two and three bedroom houses, some furnished, in various areas of the city, for prices ranging from $3,600 to $7,500. Interior view of a Wollander Farwest home; view of fully furnished living room with shag trimmed sofa and chair and matching shag rug, two chairs and radio unit against the back wall, dining room area on right side.
Prefabricated houses; Housing--Tacoma; Living rooms--Tacoma; Seating furniture--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma);
Most of the houses built in Tacoma after the end of World War II were prefabricated houses. The need for housing was a serious issue in Tacoma for many years after the war; this also increased the need for telephones, which prompted Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company to expand. Interior view of home designed by Wollander Better Builder Plans and built by Wollander Farwest Homes. The living room is decorated with a matching sofa and chair; the brick fireplace gives the room a warm and cozy feel.
Prefabricated houses; Housing--Tacoma; Living rooms--Tacoma; Seating furniture--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
Willard A. Wollander owned Wollander Farwest Homes and Wollander Better Builder Plans, home designers and building companies. In 1946 Farwest was getting ready to build a massive amount, about 25-100 homes daily, of prefabricated homes in Tacoma. The consumer would have a choice of 725, 832 or 920 square feet, two bedroom houses; these houses would be available for under $6,000. Exterior view of a Wollander Farwest home, family dog in foreground.
Prefabricated houses; Housing--Tacoma; Neighborhoods--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
The house designed and built by Wollander Far West Homes was likely a two or three bedroom house. Wollander homes were made with prefabricated materials and usually built in just a few days. Interior view of prefabricated house built by Wollander Farwest Homes. View of small kitchen, it is equipped with a sink, cabinets, stove and oven unit, and a "Kenmore" washing machine; view of living room on right side.
Prefabricated houses; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washing machines; Cupboards--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
Tacoma and its surrounding communities were growing rapidly and housing construction was in great demand. After World War II ended, many small 2 and 3 bedroom homes were built to accommodate the new families. Interior view of home designed by Wollander Better Builder Plans and built by Wollander Farwest Homes. The living room is decorated with a matching sofa and chair; the brick fireplace gives the room a warm and cozy feel.
Prefabricated houses; Living rooms--Tacoma; Fireplaces--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma); Wollander Better Builder Plans (Tacoma);
Two unidentified workers at construction site. A new plant was in the process of being built in May of 1978. The location of the plant was not listed in Richards Studio notes. Photograph ordered by ITT Rayonier, Inc., New York, New York.
Two men are pictured strolling away from an unidentified plant site in May of 1978. The large plant is currently under construction although the location was not identified. Large pipes are in place and at least part of the plant will have two floors. Photograph ordered by ITT Rayonier, Inc., New York, New York.
Contemporary home believed to have been built by Holly Homes, Inc. perhaps in time for the annual Tacoma Home Show. The spacious one-story structure was equipped with a multitude of skylights and extensive view windows. The home was nestled in a wooded setting. Photograph ordered by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Rear-and-side view of contemporary home shown in D168533, image 1. Attention is drawn to the unusual large wood-framed chimney. The home's skylights would help to brighten the interiors. The builder, believed to be Holly Homes, Inc., has left many trees as part of the landscaping. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Bathroom. This is believed to be the bathroom attached to the master bedroom shown in D168533, image 8. The wide doorway would make the bathroom wheelchair accessible. This view indicates that there was a stand-alone glassed shower. A double-sink and plenty of cabinet space were included in the large bathroom. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
A small sitting/living room with fireplace adjoins the dining area in the contemporary home pictured above. Track lighting in addition to large windows helps to make the room airy and light. The walls and carpeting both appear light in color, helping to off-set the darker wood furniture. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Living or family room. Large brick fireplace. Wood paneling on part of the walls. Contemporary chairs and sofas with bold design. This may be the living or family room of the home pictured in D168533, image 1 and 2. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Spacious bedroom, probably the master bedroom, found in contemporary home. Room is large enough to contain queen or king-size bed, chair with ottoman, and several chests of drawers. To the left through a wide doorway is an attached bathroom. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Exterior of wood-framed contemporary home. A hot tub is located on a deck just outside one of the bedrooms, perhaps the master bedroom, of this home believed to have been built by Holly Homes, Inc. Tall trees would provide adequate shade for those relaxing on the deck or in the hot tub. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
A casual dining area adjoins the kitchen of this contemporary home believed to have been constructed by Holly Homes, Inc. Wood paneling separates the kitchen from the living/family room previously shown in D168533, image 3. This home may have been built in time for the annual Tacoma Home Show. Photograph ordered by Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Bathroom in model home. "Panorama One" was Crest Builders' entry for the 1979 Tacoma Home Show. This is a view of the luxurious bathroom believed to be part of the master bedroom in the 4,800 square foot home. The bathtub and tiled shower were separated with an abundance of foliage adjoining the tub. A handy portable towel rack was set next to the tub. Ceiling skylights and etched leaded glass accented the large bathroom. The master bath also contained walk-in closets, a linen closet, separate vanities and a Jacuzzi. Thick carpeting covered the floor. "Panorama One" was the largest model home of the three constructed for the Home Show. It was located in the Summerset subdivision overlooking the Narrows in Northwest Tacoma. Photograph ordered by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-18-79, Home Show insert, p. 21-article)
Model houses--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bathrooms--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bathtubs & showers--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Model home. This affordable four bedroom rambler, the "Suburbanite," was built by the S.L. Rowland Co. and was featured as one of the three model homes displayed on permanent sites for the 33rd annual Tacoma Home Show. Each year Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma members, sponsors of the Home Show, would build two or more model homes in time for the spring Home Show, thus allowing potential home buyers to check out the newest trends in the field. This particular home was nestled among large firs and madronas in Spanaway. The covered, recessed porch welcomed all to the 1,730 square foot, fully insulated home. It was equipped with an electric forced-air heating system, almond colored appliances and an abundance of cabinets. The interiors were spacious and well designed. Photograph ordered by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-18-79, Home Show insert, p. 27)
Model houses--Spanaway--1970-1980; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
Overhead look at construction workers on the job building the new St. Joseph Hospital. The men will soon be pouring concrete forms. The hospital, with its unusual curvilinear style, used 22,000 tons of concrete in its construction. The 14-story, 189-foot tower would be dedicated on December 15, 1974. Color photograph ordered by Baugh Construction Co., general contractors of the project.
Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; St. Joseph's Hospital & School of Nursing (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma--1970-1980;
1973 Richards stock footage. Color photograph of large circular forms being made for new Continental Grain Co. terminal on what will be Schuster Parkway.
Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; Continental Grain Co. (Tacoma);
ca. 1973. 1973 Richards stock footage. Aerial view of building under construction at Port of Tacoma ca. 1973. Parts of the walls and roof are in place.
Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; Port of Tacoma (Tacoma); Aerial views;
