The purple glass mosaics are actually skylights created to allow natural light to enter the tunnels below. If you’ve heard about Seattle’s Underground Tours, you’ll know passages at the original street level still exist. Pioneer Square’s street level was raised early in Seattle’s history due to drainage issues. If you look down at the sidewalk, you might notice purple glass mosaics. Turn right into 1st Ave and continue northward observing more of the Renaissance Revival architecture. Klondike National Historic Park inside the former Cadillac Hotel Pioneer Square – 1st Ave The building became office space in 1920 and Art Deco embellishments were added during the following decade or so. In 1912, a further two stories were constructed under the watch of architects Blackwell and Baker. It used the property as a combined factory and retail space, supplying boots to stampeders en route to the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. The Washington Shoe Company was the building’s next occupant and current namesake. Boone was one of the few architects who successfully worked both before and after Seattle’s Great Fire. The original building was designed by the firm of Boone and Willcox. The first four floors of this building were commissioned in 1892 by J.M Frink for Washington Iron Works which occupied the site until around 1895. In the next block, on your left, will be the Washington Shoe Building. On our right, we’ll pass the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park housed in the 1889 Cadillac Hotel. Frink Building or Washington Iron Works Building) – 159 S Jackson St These masonry structures were all built after the Great Seattle Fire decimated the original timber buildings of Pioneer Square in 1889. Note the historic neighbourhood’s Renaissance Revival architecture – stone buildings with symmetrical facades featuring arched windows and doorways. This area known as Pioneer Square, is Seattle’s original downtown. Let’s start by walking a couple of blocks westward along S Jackson St. The entrance is on S King St, meet me back in the plaza on S Jackson St when you are ready. I’ll wait here while you take a peek inside at the ornate interiors, fully refurbished after renovations dramatically altered the original Station. The tower was modelled after Campanile di San Marco in Venice, Italy. Built between 19, King Street Station was designed by associate architects of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Let’s rendezvous at King Street Station and check out this elegant relic from the heyday of rail travel. We’ll begin in the historic downtown of Seattle, known as Pioneer Square and established in 1852. King Street Station – 303 S Jackson St (entrance is on S King St) I recommend keeping your valuables secure and out of view while also maintaining an awareness of your surroundings. Important safety note: Throughout this tour, particularly in the historic district of Seattle, you will come across many of the city’s homeless population and those suffering from addiction. I’ve provided a Google map at the end of this post to help guide you, along with a printable download of these tour notes. We’re going on an urban hike beginning at Seattle’s King Street Station and ending at the Seattle Center. Make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes, have your wet weather gear at hand (this is the Pacific Northwest, after all) and some water. Where to Find the Best Views of Mount Rainier in Seattle.From Romanesque to Post Modern, we’ll cover various styles and time periods with this 5km (3mi) self-guided Seattle architecture tour including a few bonus public artworks and historical places of note to boot. Let’s take a leisurely walk through downtown Seattle, and discover some of the most interesting architecture the Emerald City has to offer.
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