Seattle architect Elmer Ellsworth Green was born on January 8, 1861 in Janesville, Minnesota. Green moved to Canada and became superintendent of the Giant Powder Works at Telegraph Bay in Victoria, B.C. (1896-1903).  

 

In 1912 he published The Practical Plan Book which featured sixty‐eight distinct plans. In the foreword he stated:

 

 "The designing of an artistic and practical Bungalow or residence of any kind requires much skill and education, together with practical knowledge of building construction. When I started to fit myself for the Architectural profession I firmly believed that a man had no moral right to call himself an Architect until he was thoroughly familiar with all kinds of building construction...Before taking up the study of drawing I spent several years with the best and the most experienced buildings I could find, and learned thoroughly the mechanical end of building construction. After becoming an expert in that line I took up the study of drawing and design, and now with twenty-five years experience on high-class work, I believe that I am in a position to give the very best service that money can buy."

Green emphasized that his plans were designed for the northwest climate and topography; his houses had basements, unlike other popular plan book homes designed for California but adapted to other environments around the country. Green also allowed a homebuyer to customize a design by paying extra for a more detail on the interior and/or exterior. 

 

To date over 100 known designs have been identified in Seattle, which range from modest houses to apartment complexes most with a refined Arts & Crafts aesthetic.   Apartment projects include the A.S. White Apartment (1909); the Ben Lomond Apartment Hotel (1910); and the Bostonian Apartments (1913).   Known single family homes include the Benjamin & Bertha Gates House (1018 E Roanoke St., 1909); the Aaron Anderson House (816 E Shelby St, 1910); the Frazier & Mary Boutelle House (2540 34^th Ave S, 1912); the Lloyd & Anna Hillman House (2230 34^th Ave S., 1912); the Charles & Maud Betterton House 2601 Broadway, 1912) ; the Clifton A. Stuart House (3535 34^th Ave SW, 1913); the Roy & Mary Bloss House (4055 SW Holgate, 1915); and the William & Vina Felger House (1104 Federal Ave, 1915).

 

Was your home Arts and Crafts style home designed by Elmer E. Green? - I would love to hear from you!

 

For more info on Elmer E. Green:  http://www.dahp.wa.gov/learn-and-research/architect-biographies/elemer-e-green