More and more, new homes constructed in Seattle are of the narrow type. Typically, a developer will buy several older, run-down homes, which are often on larger lots. They will then revise the lot lines and build three homes where there might previously have been two. Now, some of you may think it is a shame, and somehow not karmically beneficial not to preserve every old house as part of Seattle’s charm. But what goes in are much nicer homes, more architectural and appealing, and I believe they contribute to the sense of neighborhood and pride of ownership. They are single family homes, not townhouses or apartments.
The City of Seattle has adopted a policy in certain neighborhoods of increasing density, to accommodate those of us that want to live in the city, in a house, but cannot afford the larger homes typical to Capitol Hill or Queen Anne. Of course, it also has the benefit of increasing the property tax base, which helps to maintain city services without an increase in property taxes. So, beneficial all around.
This young couple’s home is of that sort. Like many homeowners, the struggled to afford their house some years ago, and finally pulled themselves up to a place where they have a bit more disposable income. As you may see, their expansive interior space is made less attractive by the short and largely useless length of wall, with a strange post extending to the vaulted ceiling. They wanted to eliminate both, but needed to verify that is was safe to remove the post. After a short site visit, I was able to confirm that the post does not support the roof, and in fact was present only to support the wall! So, they were able to remove the entire assembly, and make a lovely kitchen island in its place.