Ready to explore the Park Vista? This historic building stands proudly in Seattle. It offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
The Park Vista sits on a unique triangular lot. Its address is 5810 Cowen Pl. N.E., Seattle, WA 98105. Cowen Park lies to the northwest. The Roosevelt neighborhood is beyond. The University District’s northern edge is to the south. Ravenna neighborhood is to the east. The building’s entrance faces Cowen Park. Its garden overlooks the park.
John A. Creutzer designed the Park Vista. He also designed Seattle’s Medical Dental Building. Creutzer designed the Swedish Tabernacle Church too. He settled in Seattle in 1906. Before that, he worked in Minneapolis and Spokane. The Park Vista’s style is Collegiate Gothic.
A. S. Hainsworth finished construction in September 1928. The cost was $350,000. The Park Vista once offered views of the Olympic Mountains. Trees in the park now block these views.
An old advertisement boasted about the Park Vista’s amenities. It had built-in radio loudspeakers. It also featured dictaphone house phones. Full automatic electric ranges were included. Electric refrigeration added to the luxury. Even roll-about beds were available.
The Park Vista’s formal opening was on September 16, 1928. Crowds attended the event. The Herald reported it ranked among the city’s finest apartments.
In 1949, residents converted the building into a cooperative. Attorney Ella Hanson was among them. A co-op is similar to a condominium. As of 2019, it still operates as a cooperative.
The Park Vista Cooperative is near Ravenna Park. It was built with high standards for its time. The co-op conversion happened in 1954.
Several bus lines serve the Park Vista. New light rail stations opened nearby in 2021. Parking is limited but residents can get permits. The Park Vista has a high Walk Score of 96. The University of Washington is a short walk away.
The neighborhood offers many conveniences. Banks, bookstores, and movie theaters are close. Coffee shops and restaurants abound. Grocery stores like Safeway and Trader Joe’s are nearby.
The YMCA and Seattle Public Library are also within easy reach. Scarecrow Video is a legendary attraction. The Park Vista has a garden maintained by a committee. It is across from Cowen Park and Ravenna Boulevard. Green Lake Park is one mile away.
Each apartment pays a monthly fee. This covers insurance, taxes, and maintenance. Members actively manage the building. Recycling is a priority. Compost containers are available. Smoking and pets are not allowed.
The Park Vista discourages speculation. Owners can’t rent their units for long. The Board must approve all owners and roommates.
Today, the Park Vista stands as a testament to Seattle’s architectural heritage. It offers a unique living experience. Its history and prime location make it a special place.