If you want to see one of the largest concentrations of mid-century homes in Seattle, visit Olympic Manor in Crown Hill (north Ballard). The main entrance is at NW 85th Street and 23rd Avenue NW.
Once, this was the site of the popular Olympic Golf Course, built in 1927. But Seattle’s post-war economic boom brought fast-growing families and the demand for new housing. In 1953, the golf course was razed. A new community of over 350 homes—Olympic Manor—went up in its place.
MID-CENTURY VARIETY
The majority of residences in Olympic Manor were built in the 1950s. The result is a pleasing variety of mid-century styling: two-story, split-level, and single-story are all here, and although most wouldn’t be considered “modern”, they are often blank slates that could tend that way if the owner chose to go that direction. While Olympic Manor’s architectural lines are mostly classic two-story homes and one-story ramblers, you’ll also find a sprinkling of Mediterranean and Asian-influenced retreats. With their spacious floor plans and large lots, these homes were built for comfort—and that aesthetic still holds true today. Exterior materials include wood, exposed concrete, and that mid-century favorite Roman brick.
PROTECTED VIEWS
The majority of Olympic Manor homes feature sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Restrictive covenants not only preserve the community’s mid-century look, they also protect its water and mountain views by limiting tree height. A few streets (not all) have underground wiring.
What else will you find in Olympic Manor? In-city quiet. Also wide sidewalks, broad lawns, neatly trimmed shrubs (the Olympic Manor Garden Club has been going strong for over 50 years). Lots of room to walk, play or ride bikes.
Olympic Manor’s winding roads discourage cut-through traffic, so street activity is minimal and parking is rarely a problem. Wide driveways and generously sized two-car garages are common. So are decks, patios (summer BBQs!), and huge picture windows—the better to enjoy those water and mountain views.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Olympic Manor has an active community club. The annual Yuletide lights display always makes the list of must-see holiday lights around Seattle. And the annual Olympic Manor two-day community-wide garage sale draws loyal crowds. (This year’s sale is slated for Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11. And yes, depending on who’s selling what, you’ll occasionally find a mid-century era treasure.)
Olympic Manor is about two minutes from Crown Hill’s main shopping and services. It’s less than ten minutes to popular Downtown Ballard. Turnover is not high here, but homes do come on the market. Last year, fourteen properties changed hands in Olympic Manor. Two of them were “modern” and both sold within days.