4202 Leary Way NW

This classic Fremont working man’s home is located at the intersection of 6th NW and Leary Way, near the turnoff to Fred Meyer. The house was built in 1911 and is located exactly at the point where the streetcars turned north up 6th NW on the way to Ballard. An older commercial building that dates from the era of the streetcar, now converted to apartments, is at the north end of the block.

Michelle and Curtis McGuire bought the house in February 2006 to convert it into a healing arts center. The previous owner had done some remodeling, including changes to the windows and painting the house. The McGuires recently refinished all the hardwood floors and added walls to create more rooms. They are currently building a sauna in the basement and have plans to add tropical landscaping.

The McGuires were not aware of any stories associated with the house but liked it immediately. Michelle McGuire said, “As soon as we walked into the house, both of us were shaking with excitement over the potential of this building! The entire house just feels good. We don’t know the history of the house, but somehow each and every one of us takes such delight in the feeling of this building. When I first showed the house to potential massage therapists, everyone kept saying “this house is so incredible!” Each person has made five rooms into a piece of art.”

Sources: Michelle McGuire
Property Record Card, Puget Sound Regional Archives
1937 photo courtesy of Washington State Archives, Puget Sound Regional Branch