Anker I. Molver

Molver, Anker I.

(1922 – 2011)

Born in Norway on January 1, 1922, Anker Ingual Molver grew up in Seattle and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1936. Upon graduation he initially worked as a linemen for the local telephone company, but then enlisted in the US Army in 1942.  Upon discharge, he returned to school on the GI Bill and enrolled at the University of Washington, where he received his Bachelor degree in architecture in 1951. By 1953, Molver formed a partnership with Bernard Stertzer. A year later Robert Marquette joined the firm. The partnership however only lasted only a few years and by 1957 Molver had opened his own independent practice.

Influenced by the work of Paul Hayden Kirk, Arne Bystrom and Ralph Anderson, Molver is known for his richly textured dwellings and remodels in the Seattle area.  His projects include the Benjamin & Ruth Hansen House in the Arroyo Heights area of Seattle (1955), the Robert Mattheison House (c.1958) in Innis Arden, Thomas & Helen Kane House (1961) in Seattle, and Eden House at 13200 9th Avenue Northwest (1969) in Seattle. Outside of the city projects include the Henkel (1974) and Nelson Homes (c.1973) on Mercer Island, the Merlin & Louise Knapp House (1962) in Kingston, a house at 6625 NE 132nd St in Kirkland (1962), and a home at 8609 Talbot Rd in Edmonds (1967).  Multi-family residential projects include the Admiral Apartments (1959), and the South Crest Apartments (1957).

Commercial projects include several designs for the Herfy’s Burger chain in the 1960s, and a number of Pietro’s Pizza Houses in the late 1960s. By the mid-to-late 1960s, Molver began working informally with architect Michael Soldano.

Molver retired in 1985, and spent his retirement enjoying the warm sun of southern California during the winter months. He passed away in Seattle on November 11, 2011.

– Michael C Houser

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