Feb 25, 1982
National Register of Historic Places - Joseph Kraus House
Statement of Significant: The Joseph Kraus residence, built in 1911, is one of Seattle's finer examples of "Tudor" styled residences constructed during the era of eclectic design in residential architecture. It and several other equally impressive estates such as the Hainsworth house in West Seattle and the Stimson/Green mansion in First Hill, reflect a period of urban growth and economic expansion during which affluent Seattle families sought the comforts of traditionally styled and luxuriously appointed houses. Designed by J.E. Douglass, the external form is carefully composed with an informal arrangement of bays, gables, and windows. Aside from the half timbering, exterior detailing is restrained. Corbels and concave brackets support overhangs and the small divisions of upper window sashes introduce a contrasting scale. Moldings are used to sharply define the upper edges of beams and bargeboards. The pseudo half-timber-stucco exterior is believably designed, and over the years has weathered into a rich, mellow patina. Few of Seattle's "Tudors" imitate the character and flavor of Elizabethan architecture as faithfully as the Kraus house. Also of significance are the major interior spaces at the first floor, including the parlor, the dining room, the library and the central hallway and staircase. With the exception of inappropriately painted woodwork in the parlor, and a water stain in the dining room tapestry, all are in an excellent state of preservation. All but one original chandelier survives and most of the original light fixtures and luster shades remain. Custom designed colored glass windows and transoms are of excellent quality; particularly the large, arched stairwell window. There are strong indications that Louis Tiffany was commissioned to design and execute the windows and lighting fixtures; however, documentation has yet to be produced. According to a former owner, Mrs. Saul Haas, Belgian glass and fixtures were ordered following construction of the house, but were destroyed in the early days of the First World War before their shipment to the United States. This allegedly required Mr. Kraus to obtain his glass domestically through Tiffany. The Kraus House was featured in the 1913 Homes and Gardens of the Pacific Coast, published by the Beaux Arts Society.
National Register of Historic Places - Joseph Kraus House
Statement of Significant: The Joseph Kraus residence, built in 1911, is one of Seattle's finer examples of "Tudor" styled residences constructed during the era of eclectic design in residential architecture. It and several other equally impressive estates such as the Hainsworth house in West Seattle and the Stimson/Green mansion in First Hill, reflect a period of urban growth and economic expansion during which affluent Seattle families sought the comforts of traditionally styled and luxuriously appointed houses. Designed by J.E. Douglass, the external form is carefully composed with an informal arrangement of bays, gables, and windows. Aside from the half timbering, exterior detailing is restrained. Corbels and concave brackets support overhangs and the small divisions of upper window sashes introduce a contrasting scale. Moldings are used to sharply define the upper edges of beams and bargeboards. The pseudo half-timber-stucco exterior is believably designed, and over the years has weathered into a rich, mellow patina. Few of Seattle's "Tudors" imitate the character and flavor of Elizabethan architecture as faithfully as the Kraus house. Also of significance are the major interior spaces at the first floor, including the parlor, the dining room, the library and the central hallway and staircase. With the exception of inappropriately painted woodwork in the parlor, and a water stain in the dining room tapestry, all are in an excellent state of preservation. All but one original chandelier survives and most of the original light fixtures and luster shades remain. Custom designed colored glass windows and transoms are of excellent quality; particularly the large, arched stairwell window. There are strong indications that Louis Tiffany was commissioned to design and execute the windows and lighting fixtures; however, documentation has yet to be produced. According to a former owner, Mrs. Saul Haas, Belgian glass and fixtures were ordered following construction of the house, but were destroyed in the early days of the First World War before their shipment to the United States. This allegedly required Mr. Kraus to obtain his glass domestically through Tiffany. The Kraus House was featured in the 1913 Homes and Gardens of the Pacific Coast, published by the Beaux Arts Society.
Feb 25, 1982
Posted Date
Jul 17, 2023
Historical Record Date
Feb 25, 1982
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
