Grand Pacific Hotel, building in Seattle, Washington, U.S
The Grand Pacific Hotel is a four-story commercial building built in 1890 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, featuring thick brick and stone walls with carved details. It sits at street level with below-grade floors that once housed industrial businesses, and its tall arched windows and heavy stonework give it a solid, grounded appearance.
The building was designed by architect William E. Boone in 1890 following the great fire of 1889, initially built as an office building that soon served as lodging for miners heading to the Yukon. It was renamed the Grand Pacific Hotel in 1900 and operated for decades until closure in the 1960s due to city redevelopment policies.
The hotel served as a meeting place for miners heading to the Yukon and business travelers during Seattle's early growth. Its location and architecture reflect how central it was to the community's daily life and commerce.
The hotel sits downtown on 1st Avenue with easy walking access to shops, cafes, and busy city areas. The surrounding streets see steady foot traffic and vehicle movement, so visitors should stay alert while exploring the building's exterior and neighborhood.
The building was reconstructed as one of the first after the devastating 1889 fire and included below-ground factory floors that supported Seattle's economic recovery. These hidden lower levels remain visible evidence of how the city rebuilt itself after disaster.
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