Bernkastle Apartments | Historic Capitol Hill Living

About the Building

Historic Charm, Everyday Comfort

Built in 1909, the Bernkastle Apartments blend classic architectural character with the convenience of modern city living. Choose from one- or two-bedroom homes, each with a spacious open-concept layout filled with natural light.

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Beautifully preserved 1909 architectureBrick veneer, classic cornice detailing, and timeless Capitol Hill character.
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Light-filled homesOpen-concept layouts with plenty of natural light.
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Pet-friendly communityCats and small dogs welcome — because home includes your furry companions.
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Professionally managedResponsive local management by Pacific Crest Real Estate.

Illustration of the Bernkastle Apartments building

Our Story

Over a Century on Summit Ave

The Bernkastle began life under a different name — the Menlo — and has watched Capitol Hill grow up around it for more than 115 years.

1909

Constructed as the Menlo Apartments, one of two landmark brick apartment buildings at Summit Ave and Republican St — the Menlo and its neighbor, the El Mondo. Together they added 31 units to a neighborhood then just beginning its shift from single-family homes to low-rise apartments.

1911

The Great Water Famine: after a pipeline break near Renton, Seattle went a week without running water. Residents lined up at water wagons dispatched to residential streets — including right outside the Menlo's doors on Summit Ave.

1937

King County tax records document the building: 3 stories, wood frame with brick veneer, concrete foundation, hot-water heat — the bones of the building residents still live in today.

1994

A major renovation modernizes the building's systems while preserving its historic character — the effective "new" year on county records.

Today

Now known as the Bernkastle, the building offers 1- and 2-bedroom homes steps from everything Capitol Hill has to offer — boutique shopping, cafés, nightlife, parks, and easy transit across the city.

See Historic Photos

Then & Now

A Building Through Time

From horse-drawn water wagons to the present day — the Bernkastle has stood on this corner for over a century.

1911 — The Water Famine

1911 — Colorized

1937 — Tax Record Photo

Today — Front Elevation

1937 — Colorized

1994 — Summit Ave

Availability

Available Homes

Live availability below — listings update in real time. Click through to schedule a tour or apply online.

1 Bed · 1 Bath · 450 sq ft

Unit K

$1,525/mo

Available now
Private entrance — rare on Capitol Hill
Newly resurfaced bathtub
Expansive kitchen countertop
Intercom + Amazon Key package delivery

View & Apply

Looking for a 2-bedroom? Browse all Pacific Crest listings — new homes open up every week.

Building Details

Features & Policies

Building Features

Controlled access entry
On-site laundry facilities
Amazon Key package delivery
On-site manager
Street parking
Non-smoking community

Apartment Amenities

Private entrance (select units)
Spacious open-concept floor plans
Natural light throughout
Classic bay windows (select units)
In-unit washer/dryer (select units)
Expansive kitchen countertops
Intercom system for guest access
Hot-water heat

Pet Policy

Cats and small dogs welcome
Pet deposit: $300
Pet rent: $50/month

Utilities

$90/month — 1 resident
$120/month — 2 residents
$150/month — 3 residents

Application Info

Application fee: $69 per adult
Security deposit: $900 (refundable)
No admin fee, no one-time pet fee
Most applications reviewed in 1–2 business days
Apply online in minutes
Seattle first-in-time rental law applies

Resident Services

Online rent payments
24/7 maintenance requests
Lease documents online
Open Resident Portal →

Location

Heart of Capitol Hill

Just minutes from I-5, I-90, and Highway 99 — with light rail, bus lines, and bike routes at your door. Step outside to boutique shopping, local restaurants, lively cafés, vibrant nightlife, parks, and year-round neighborhood life.

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Transit at your doorLight rail, frequent bus service, and easy freeway access.
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Capitol Hill lifeCafés, restaurants, shops, and nightlife steps away.
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Parks & green spaceVolunteer Park, Cal Anderson, and neighborhood pocket parks nearby.
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Culture close bySeattle University, Cornish College, and the city's arts corridor.

Get in Touch

Contact Your Property Manager

Questions about availability, tours, or life at the Bernkastle? Reach out directly.

Tim Brooks

Property Manager · Bernkastle Apartments

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(206) 210-0809

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[email protected]

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432 Summit Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102

Schedule a Tour Resident Portal