During Seattle's rapid growth as a western Boom Town, the rapid construction of the Hoge Building -- 18 stories -- took less than a year to complete, and allowed it to be the tallest building in Seattle during the pre-WWI era. The building represents Seattle's transition from frontier town to metropolis, largely resulting from railroad arrival because of Seattle's access to Asia and Alaska.
The Rector Hotel was designed by John Graham Sr., a Seattle architect employed by Alson Brown, the son of a timber baron who hoped to diversify his families investments. The hotel's location next to the Grand Opera House proved fortuitous and the two buildings were adjoined at the balcony level. The hotel was one of many built during Seattle's initial economic and population boom (1902-1920) and demonstrates the rapid commercial expansion of the city during the Klondike Gold Rush.
The Arctic Building, now The Arctic Club Seattle Hotel, is a Beaux-Arts style masterpiece in the city of Seattle that was built in 1916 by two prominent Washington architects. Known as the building with the walrus tusks, it once served as the headquarters of the Arctic Club - an all-male business and social club for the city's elite. This architectural gem, with distinctive decorative features reminiscent of its namesake, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1978 and is a City of Seattle Landmark.
This historic building has been home to the Rainier Club since 1904 and has hosted social events that include numerous presidents, captains of industry, diplomats, and world leaders among its guests and members. Established in 1888, the Rainier Club first held its meetings in the mansion of one of its members and a room at the Seattle Theater. The club is named in honor of Peter Rainier, an 18th century British naval officer.
Now connected to a new, towering skyscraper, the church opened in 1908. The church, itself, was the first organized church congregation in the settlement era, established in 1853. The building arrived during Seattle's economic, population, and construction boom after the Klondike Gold Rush. First Methodist Episcopal Church is the only extant downtown church building dating from this era.
The Seattle Public Library - Seattle Central location is a historical and unique site. The land the current library occupies has been historically responsible for housing the public library, and has been doing so since the early 20th century. The current library is heralded for it’s modern and innovative design concept and architectural style. The steel, concrete, and glass structure has received significant attention and acclaim since it’s construction in the early 2000s, and maintains its dignified and unique role as a marker on the downtown Seattle skyline.
The glamour, optimism, and excess of the Roaring Twenties were on full display as over two thousand guests joined the Olympic Hotel as it celebrated its Grand Opening on December 6, 1924. The evening was the culmination of a decade-long campaign led by members of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to secure a world-class hotel in their growing city. Territorial University, soon known as the University of Washington, had been located on this land in its early years. The Grand Opening marked the beginning of a new era for the capital of Washington State, and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel remains a symbol of pride for Seattle.
Built between 1909 and 1910, the Cobb Building was part of Seattle’s Metropolitan Tract-- an early example of urban planning where developers conceived of creating a "city within a city." The Metropolitan Tract was located in the area that had been home to the University of Washington and reflected the rising pace of Seattle's construction boom and the city's transition towards urban planning in the wake of the Great Seattle Fire. The Cobb's rooftop became a major tourist attraction, and the building's lavish decor and Terra Cotta exterior features impressed visitors. These Terra Cotta features included carved statues of Native Americans as well as ornately carved marble features on the building's 10th floor. The Cobb Building now operates as a luxury apartment complex.
Completed in 1928, the Northern Life Tower skyscraper represents a dramatic shift in the appearance of Seattle's skyline with designs that attempted to emulate the speed, efficiency and power found within modern technology, as well as demonstrate the economic high-times and faith in progress associated with the "Roaring '20s." Designed by Eliel Saarinen, who won 2nd place in a Chicago Tribune contest, famous, The Northern Life Tower was the first building in Seattle to embrace the Art Deco or Art Moderne style.
Dating back to its founding in 1933, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has provided a world-class collection of art to residents of the Pacific Northwest. Their collection includes works from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The museum's Native American gallery is one of the most exceptional collections of its type. Thanks to donations and public support, the museum completed a remodel and expansion of its current building in 2007. Currently, SAM operates three facilities: the main location on First Avenue, the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park, which is Seattle's largest green space.
Built in 1910, Agen Warehouse served as the headquarters for dairy wholesaler, John Bernard Agen (1856-1920). His dairy grew to become the largest in the Pacific Northwest, shipping to dairy goods to Alaska, the contiguous U.S., and internationally. The building itself demonstrates prototypical late 19th and early 20th century warehouse structures and easy-access to railways and shipping. The building is now home to a variety of businesses and offers retail space on the first floor.
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market continues to serve as Seattle's public market. With over nine acres of fresh food, crafts, and entertainment, Pike's Place is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. The market is located between 1st Ave and Western Ave and Pike St. and Virginia St. There is a parking garage at 1531 Western Ave.
Built in 1929, the L-shaped, 15 story stone surfaced building stands at the point of Seattle's once flourishing economic and transportation center. The building housed timber, shipping, and railway industries -- all representative of Seattle's economic drivers.
The Eagles Auditorium was built by the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1924. Inspired by the Progressive Movement, the organization was established by area business leaders who helped to support a variety of initiatives that would assist "the common man." The fraternal group's membership grew rapidly with nearly 350,000 members ten years after its first meeting in 1898. This fraternal organization's mirrored the goals of many business leaders in the "Gilded Age" and demonstrates the progressive orientation of many Republicans such as Theodore Roosevelt.
The Paramount, originally named the Seattle Theatre, opened its doors in 1928, just prior to the onset of the Great Depression. The 3,000 seat theatre was built by Seattle businessman, L. N. Rosenbaum with the assistance of Paramount Pictures which built large movie theaters in most major American cities. The Paramount has been through many ups and downs over the years, but has managed to avoid the wrecking ball and still hosts a variety of shows, from rock concerts to children’s shows. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This walking tour offers a view into the history of Settle through the exploration of current and historical buildings north of Pioneer Square. The tour includes stops at popular Seattle institutions such as Pike Place Market as well as several historic hotels and museums.
