Historic Seattle Architecture

"Historic Seattle Architecture" is author Marques Vickers' illustrated edition of the city's most prominent high-rise constructions built between 1890-1930. Over 250 photographs document over 125 historical structures establishing a visual profile and economic time capsule of Seattle's early economic legacy.

The edition portrays some of the most influential downtown constructions including the Smith and Seattle Towers, Washington Mutual Triangle, Coliseum Theatre and the Interurban, Arctic, Dexter Horton, and Pioneer Buildings. Photographs from multiple perspectives accentuate distinctive architectural traits and detailing.

Contemporary Seattle is undergoing a dynamic resurgence of architectural construction consisting primarily of skyscrapers. Each completed monolith provides an intriguing and often imposing contrast to the modestly scaled structures from a distant era. With the passage of time, historical constructions and their unique aesthetics remain statuesque and relevant. Historical preservationist groups have fought successfully for their survival. This appreciation has enabled Seattle to assume a distinctive and prominent position as a leader in West Coast architecture.

Seattle's integration of traditional and contemporary design reinforces its image as a desire urban living environment. Few American cities can still document the precise stages of their evolution by the remaining strata of their architecture.

Seattle is an exemplary example showcasing that capability.

In 1914, the 38-story Smith Tower was constructed and remained the tallest building west of the Mississippi until 1931. It was only eclipsed within Seattle upon the construction of the iconic Space Needle in 1962.

"Historic Seattle Architecture" showcases the unique charm of a Seattle that was and still remains. It is Marques Vickers fifth photo compilation of Seattle and Bellevue architecture and provides an important transitional resource to portray the continuity of growth.