1602 Cole Street
The Enumclaw National Bank building, located at 1602 Cole Street in downtown Enumclaw, holds a rich history dating back to its construction in 1923 at a cost of $20,600. Initially erected by J. C. Jenson, with plumbing by Price Lee and wiring by T. T. Tiggs, it became the new home of the Enumclaw National Bank in 1923 after it was renamed from People's State Bank the year prior. However, the bank succumbed to the economic turmoil of the Great Depression in 1932, leaving room for new ventures.
Following the bank's closure, Steve Polenus relocated his shoe service business into the space, while the second floor hosted various professionals including attorneys and doctors. Notable figures like attorney Byron Kibler and Dr. Paul H. McKinnon were among the occupants. The building underwent transformations over the years, eventually converting the upper floors into small apartments in the late 1960s.
Heating the building was originally managed by a coal stoker in the basement before the era of natural gas. Coal Street, now known as Cole Street, hints at the building's past reliance on coal heating. In 2001, Peggy and Toby Wenham took ownership of the building, operating a gift shop and a café, within its walls. Their stewardship continued the building's legacy, leading to its designation as a King County landmark in 2016, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Today, The Enumclaw National Bank building is being transformed once again and getting a new lease on life. Cascade Craftsman is proud to be renovating the second floor of this beautiful piece of history so that it stands as a testament to Enumclaw's past and present, bridging history with contemporary commerce in downtown Enumclaw.
