(Image: CHS)
Not many businesses on Capitol Hill can trace their history as far back as 1909. Bruce Good, owner of 12th Ave’s Jay Frees Plumbing and Heating, is the latest owner in a century-old line of repairmen at the helm of this Capitol Hill institution. Now, one chapter in the business appears to be nearing an end. Also ending, nostalgic business closing stories on CHS (for plumbers, anyway).
A duo of industrious microhousing developers are in the early stages of planning a mixed-use development on the narrow property, located between E. Olive St and E. Howell Kelten Johnson and Tyler Carr haven’t yet purchased the property, but their company is in the early stages of developing a 20-unit building with a small commercial space.
Johnson told CHS it was too early to discuss any details or when demolition of the plumbing building might happen, though he did say the project would not be microhousing. Early plans call for about 20 studio apartments and a few parking spaces in the back of the building.
For decades, the plumbing business has occupied a transformed single-family house, which today is sits sandwiched between two apartment complexes.
According to the company’s history, Jay Frees plumbing started in 1909 when Capitol Hill Plumbing opened on 10th Ave. In 1947, local plumber Frees bought the business and eventually moved it to 12th Ave. He ran the business for 50 years before handing it over to Good, who had been working as a plumber and repairman in the neighborhood since the 1970s. Good has kept the Frees name and signage ever since.
CHS tried to reach Good several times to talk about the future of his business. Despite the upheaval surrounding the business, it seems this old school Capitol Hill plumber is still finding plenty of work in the neighborhood.
Good Afternoon,
My father started Good Services Capitol Hill Plumbing and Heating, and still runs it till this day. Just want to make sure the the public knows that our Business, Good Services Plumbing and Heating, and Jay Frees Plumbing are not closing. It is sad to see older homes be replaced by POD apartments and new buildings. The history of Jay Frees and the business my father built and runs will live on. I remember the day that my Father bought Jay Free’s from Jay himself. He was a loving man who wanted to see his business go on to support capitol hill and the greater Seattle area. I felt so honored that he turned to my father to purchase his company that he had put so much work into.
Thank you everyone for your support and love for keeping Capitol Hill, the way we have known it to be.
Sincerely
Michael Good, Proud to be born and raised locally!
Michael Good
Thanks Michael!
[…] Social media and street art campaigns captured reactions to the change and reflected on what has been lost to the relentless pace of development. We even wrote the last nostalgic CHS post ever*. […]