Bon Marche Department Store, Art Deco department store in Downtown Seattle, United States
The Bon Marche Department Store is an eight-story retail building in downtown Seattle adorned with copper awnings decorated with sea creatures such as seahorses and fish along the facade. The structure spans multiple street frontages and now contains various commercial and office tenants on its upper levels.
The building was designed by architect John Graham Sr. in 1928 and opened in 1929 during a period of rapid commercial growth in Seattle's center. The copper exterior detailing was completed in 1930, reflecting the expanded ambitions of the city's retail sector.
The store's founders learned the Chinook language to serve Native American customers, creating bonds that extended across Seattle's diverse communities. This commitment to connecting with different groups left a lasting mark on how the building was viewed locally.
The building sits along Third Avenue and is easily reached on foot from other downtown locations. Visitors should know that the interior is now divided among multiple tenants, so public access is limited to certain areas.
The facade features seahorses and fish details that represent Seattle's historic connection to the waterfront and maritime trade. These nautical ornaments were part of the original design and remind visitors of the city's role as a major port.
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