Pioneer Building

Pioneer Building is a six-story office structure at the corner of First Avenue and James Street, constructed from red brick, terra cotta, and cast iron. The facade displays Romanesque arched openings and detailing typical of the architectural style from that era.

Construction finished in 1892 after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 had destroyed much of the city. It was one of the early rebuilding projects commissioned by Henry Yesler to help restore the neighborhood.

During the Klondike Gold Rush starting in 1897, the building housed dozens of mining companies that coordinated their operations from this location. This role made it a center of economic activity in Seattle's early history.

The building sits in Pioneer Square and is easily reached on foot from other historic sites in the neighborhood. The best time to visit is during daytime hours when the architecture is fully visible in good light.

The original structure included a seventh-floor tower above the main entrance, which was removed after earthquake damage in 1949. This change altered the roofline significantly and made it an example of adaptation for seismic safety.

Location: Seattle

Inception: 1892

Architects: Elmer H. Fisher

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 6

Part of: Pioneer Building, Pergola, and Totem Pole

GPS coordinates: 47.60222,-122.33361

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43