Mission Statement of the Florentine Association Board of Directors

1. Continuously elevate the status of the property and community at large.

2. Effectively manage long term assets of the association.

3. Create and foster the sense of community.

This building was designed as a “mammoth wholesale block” in 1909 by architects Lohman and Place and built by contractor, David Dow. The building dates from a time of explosive economic and physical growth for the original commercial district, which expanded with, in particular, the construction of many well-designed warehouse buildings. The Seattle Security Company, who commissioned the building, had previously developed property in the district.

The Seattle Security Company Building also included modern steel rolling shutters at the delivery bays on the east elevation, as well as ten freight elevators. Architects Lohman and Place are relatively obscure, although they are believed to have designed industrial projects around Lake Union. David Dow was a prominent contractor and Seattle citizen between the 1890s and his death in the 1920s. He is described in Clarence Bagley’s History of King County and came from a family of well-known Seattle contractors, which included his sons, Andrew and Dwight, as well as his brother Matthew. He also built the warehouse at 548 First Avenue South, in addition to buildings all over Seattle.

The Florentine was converted from a warehouse into 116 condos in 1990. During the conversion, an additional floor was built on top of this four-story building for the penthouse lofts. Many of the homes have been individually and uniquely renovated and some feature vaulted ceilings, patios, and city and water views.