It's a wonder how Edith Macefield's home lasted all these years. How it will last in the next years to come, however, is even more uncertain as bids didn't push through for the auction for Seattle's real-life "Up" house.
Macefield's story was dubbed "Up" in real life because she faced the same situation as Carl Fredricksen. She didn't want to leave her home, so she turned down a $1 million offer for her 10,764-square foot property in Ballard, prompting the development of Ballard Blocks to be built around Macefield's house. For making a stand, she became a local hero, inspiring many others to stick to their beliefs.
Unlike the old man in "Up," however, Macefield was not interested in going on an adventure. She just didn't want to leave her home, so she stayed, not even bothered by the massive construction that began around her property. She lived in the house on 1438 N.W. 46th St. until the day she died in 2008.
At that point, her house went to Barry Martin, the construction superintendent who befriended Macefield while Ballard Blocks were being made. He sold the house in 2009 to Reach Returns, which had plans of elevating the home to level with the commercial buildings in the area and adding a two-level open space underneath, with water features and greenery. Unfortunately, the property was foreclosed, prompting the auction.
Before the auction Friday, five bidders showed interest. Not one bid was placed however, returning the home to Reach Returns, which now owes around $186,000 on the property. According to the bidders, anyone looking to buy Macefield's home will have to assume first deed of trust, which costs $300,000. This amount will have to be paid on top of the opening bid for the home, which was set at $216,270.70. Bidders ultimately came to the conclusion that it didn't make sense to invest on the property.
With Macefield's house now back in the bank's hands, it will likely go on the open market.
Ballard Blocks developers have not made a comment about the auction. One of the bidders had planned to sell the "Up" house to them since the development has been designed to accommodate Macefield's property should the developer acquire the home in the future.
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Photo: Ben Tesch | Flickr
