Bigelow Apartments

Location: 727 4th Ave E

Bigelow Apartments, 1980s, courtesy Olympia Planning Department, Washington Archives

Bigelow Apartments now (2010), photo by Deb Ross

The Bigelow Apartments were built by Ray Bigelow, son of pioneers Daniel and Ann Elizabeth Bigelow, in 1922 (see Bigelow House). The handsome, symmetrical design with its Tuscan columns at the entryway is termed Colonial Revival and was popular at the time (the Governor’s Mansion is also built in this style). The house has been well preserved. It is inventoried but not listed on a register.

For more information follow these links:

Washington State Historical Society, enter the following catalog number in collection search box: C1964.26.4.13.4 (also shows Ray Bigelow’s house next door, which no longer exists)

Olympia Heritage inventory

For more information on the Bigelow family, see the Residents section of this website and Bigelow House Museum pages

William Owen Bush – 12/8/24
Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. William Owen Bush, son of settlers Isabella James Bush and mixed-race George Bush, made his mark in many arenas in early Washington Territory and State. He was a noted agriculturist, served as the first African American member of the Washington Territorial…
December 8, 2024
Cora Pinson – 12/1/24
Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. In 1988 Olympia voters helped make history when they elected local community organizer Cora Pinson, pictured here, to the City Council. She was the first African American woman to hold such a position in Washington State. Pinson served on the Olympia…
December 1, 2024
Barb O’Neill: 11/24/24
Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history Barbara O’Neill was a commanding presence in our area for many years. While operating a soul food restaurant on Fourth Avenue, she instituted a practice of providing free holiday meals for those in need. The tradition continued after her death, with…
November 24, 2024