HARD DRIVE TO THE KLONDIKE:
PROMOTING SEATTLE DURING THE GOLD RUSH

A Historic Resource Study for the Seattle Unit of the
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Grand Pacific Hotel

Architectural Description

The Grand Pacific Hotel is part of a collection of turn-of-the-century commercial buildings north of Pioneer Square on First Avenue. In 1980, the Seattle Office of Urban Conservation prepared a National Register nomination for this cluster of buildings referred to as the First Avenue Groups. The Seattle Office of Urban Conservation described the Grand Pacific Hotel in the following way:

The former Grand Pacific Hotel exemplifies the Richardsonian Romanesque Style in the composition and detailing of its primary or First Avenue elevation. Beginning at the ground floor, the elevation incorporates a bold central entrance arch flanked by clerestoried storefronts. The arch is constructed of lightly rusticated limestone blocks and voussoirs, as are the two stone block piers at the extreme ends of the store front zone.... Above the store front area and the archway, the First Avenue facade is dominated by a rhythmic two story arcade composed of nine square-based brick piers and eight round, cut stone arches which spring from elegant and compact stone capitals. Deeply recessed between these piers, the second and third story windows are separated by slightly recessed spandrels, faced in small, square, rusticated blocks. The fourth story of the First Avenue facade begins above a stone dentil course and consists of eight rectangular windows framed between short piers aligned with those of the arcade below. A parapet wall rising above the fourth story is detailed with recessed panels and a corbelled cornice. [30]

The First Avenue Groups' nomination noted that the hotel's storefronts suffered from uncomplimentary signage and a boarded-up central building entrance. Although the original storefront windows have been replaced in recent years, the new windows are well suited for the building. The building's main arched entrance is currently in use.

Historical Significance

Although the architect for the Grand Pacific Hotel is undetermined, this building has been recognized as "one of Seattle's finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque commercial architecture." It has also been identified as one of "the last major buildings in Seattle to be designed in this style." [31] Circa 1898, the Grand Pacific Hotel opened under the name "First Avenue Hotel." This hotel, along with others included in the First Avenue Groups, was constructed in part to cater to the needs of Seattle's growing transient laborer population. Growth resulting from the Klondike Gold Rush resulted in an "acute need for new structures to provide necessary retail outlets and hotels for the large number of transients, dock workers, lumber workers and ship's crews." [32] The Grand Pacific Hotel filled the growing need for both housing and commercial space.

From 1899 until 1914, the Grand Pacific Hotel also housed the office and salesroom for the Seattle Woolen Mill, an important outfitter for the Klondike. According to Seattle City Directories, this company moved its offices from a neighboring building at 1119 First Street. This earlier building was replaced by the Colonial Hotel in 1901. [33] During the gold rush, the Seattle Woolen Mill advertised "Llama underwear, heavy Mackinaw clothing and double woven blankets for the Arctic Regions" as well as, "Blanket Clothing for the Klondike." [34]