Hoge Building, Historic high-rise building in Seattle, United States
The Hoge Building is a multi-story commercial structure in downtown Seattle designed in the classical Beaux-Arts tradition. The building features symmetrical proportions with ornamented details across its facades and continues to function as an active commercial property.
Constructed in 1911, the structure was among the early commercial buildings that shaped Seattle's evolution into a modern city. It emerged during a period when the city was expanding rapidly and investing heavily in commercial architecture.
The building displays classical design elements drawn from European traditions that still catch the eye in its facade. These details reflect how Seattle shaped its urban character through architecture influenced by international styles of the era.
The building sits in Seattle's business district and is readily accessible for visitors who want to view its architecture from the street. Since it remains an active commercial property, note that access to interior spaces may be restricted.
The steel frame of all 18 stories went up in just 30 days in 1911, a record at the time. The architects, Charles Bebb and Louis Mendel, designed the structure with seismic events in mind after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The Hoge family owned the building until 1986.
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