3501 ROSS AVE (Corner of Ross & Dortich in the Historic District)
GIG HARBOR, WASHINGTON
GROSS SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,698 SQ. FT (2,652 sq. ft. main + upper)
SITE AREA: .138 (1/8) ACRE (6,000 SQ. FT.)
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Gig Harbor on a small 50’ x 120’ corner lot, the Nixon residence was a personal challenge to design a home in conformance with the stringent Historic District Design Requirements. The Nixon’s were interested in keeping the home in Character of the pre World War Two homes of the historic fishing village area. The required Historic character is small scale, simple mass, front porches placed near the street, modest widths, and steeper pitched gable roofs with narrow end towards the street.
The Nixon’s requirements are to take advantage of the harbor views while maintaining privacy, all living on the main floor with some expansion to the upper half story for grand kids, and a large garage/shop in the basement. The front porch should be open and welcoming and the landscaping should soften the urban neighborhood.
The homes square footage is very large for the one eighth acre lot however by keeping the mass to a one and one half story, steep pitched roof with dormers, and tucking the garage in the basement, the overall scale feels appropriate for the neighborhood. The detail was inspired by years of research in homes in historic districts of San Francisco, Seattle and North End of Tacoma. The use of cedar shingles with curved base, stone, curved roof eave brackets, corner windows, box bay windows, and the double columned front porch entrance are all patterns found in west coast residential historic districts.
The interior main floor 1,900 sq. ft. is very efficient and feels open with a one and one half story ceiling in the foyer and living room. The kitchen and dining area are part of the great room, conducive to today’s western lifestyle. The guest room and owner’s bedroom suite are tucked back away from the foyer for privacy. The dramatic upper floor Loft is open to the living room / foyer below to allow for light and to create a sense of spacious. The basement is an unbelievable “Man Cave” which features a car lift with plenty of fluorescent light and tons of storage for wood and car parts.
The Nixon’s were a pleasure to work with; they were open to many new ideas and had many of their own. Their drive and determination to make this their true dream home made this project exceptional!