1925-1926: The Shoremont

The Shoremont Apartments were designed in 1925 by William J. Bain, Sr. Construction began later that year at an estimated cost of $50,000. An announcement was made in the Seattle Daily Times in January of 1926 to indicate the new apartments were nearing completion, listing the Shoremont as “the only lakeside apartment in Seattle…[with] twenty-four apartments […] two six-room apartments and twenty-two four-room suites.” ​ The grand opening of the Shoremont Apartments was announced in the April 29, 1926, edition of The Seattle Daily Times, with great fanfare: Shoremont, On Lake Washington, Distinctive Cottage Group. This advertorial contained marketing materials touting the distinct features of the apartments including oak floors, tiled bath, electric fireplace, Murphy bed, dressing closet with vanity; electric range, built-in refrigerator, abundance of closet space, and built-dinette, listing 3-rooms at $65 per month. William J. Bain, Sr won a Seattle Honor Award in 1927 for the Shoremont Apartments design from the Washington State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for apartments under two stories in height.