The John Wallace Fourplex, constructed in 1915, is significant under criterion C as an excellent representative of a small-scale, multi-family housing type, many of which were built throughout the study area between approximately 1905 and 1915. It is also of interest as an unusual variation on the Craftsman style. Secondarily, it is significant under criterion C as an exemplar of work by John Wallace, a prominent local building contractor and long-time resident of the Sunnyside neighborhood, who constructed many of the area's early buildings.

Multi-family dwellings are an important part of the fabric of the inner southeast residential neighborhoods. They were constructed during the area's most significant period of growth when the demand for housing had skyrocketed. This growth coincided with the popularity of the Craftsman style which found expression in a wide variety of building types. There are thirty-three small scale, multi-family buildings included in the survey. Of these, nine are considered potentially eligible for the National Register and all but ten are designed in the Craftsman style.

The Wallace Fourplex is an exceptionally well-preserved example of the type, incorporating all of the characteristic elements. It is distinctive among the small-scale apartments in both plan and detail. Of particular note is the formal facade arrangement which is articulated by the prominent paired, stepped gables. This singular design is further enhanced by the Union Jack pattern in the porch railing; denticulated frieze; and bands of multi-light windows. - NRHP, 8 May 1989