Alaska Building, former office building, now hotel, in Seattle
The Alaska Building is a 15-story office and hotel structure in Seattle completed in 1904. It features a terra cotta facade with Beaux Arts elements, a marble lobby with detailed crown molding and wooden pillars, and windows overlooking the waterfront and harbor industries.
The building was constructed from 1903 to 1904 and was the first steel-frame structure in the region and briefly the tallest in Seattle. Its construction marked a turning point in city architecture, showcasing new building techniques that later led to more high-rises in the area.
The building was closely tied to the Alaska gold rush movement and housed the Alaska Club, a gathering place for local business people. Visitors could read Alaska newspapers and view mineral exhibits there, reflecting the commercial spirit of the early city.
The building sits at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Cherry Street in Pioneer Square and is easy to locate. The site is part of the historic district and the hotel offers dining options and modern amenities while preserving the original architectural character.
The building contains a mural by artist Ernest Norling that offers a glimpse into its past and connects visitors with the site's history. During renovation in the mid-2000s, many original architectural details were preserved to keep this connection to history alive.
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