HISTORY

Prior to the arrival of grocery stores in the 1920s, many Americans purchased their
produce in large open-air markets directly from farmers as a way to "beat the
middleman." In 1907, after rumors of price fixing mounted, Seattle's City Council
established a public market along the newly constructed four-block boardwalk known
as Pike Place. Opening market day found residents so eager for fresh, fairly priced
food that they swarmed over the first farmer who arrived, emptying his wagon of
lettuce in minutes.
Frank Goodwin, a Pike Place landowner rich with Klondike gold, saw an opportunity
and built the first marketplace building. Other multi-level buildings followed over the
next 20 years, creating a central marketing district accessible to pedestrians and
motorized vehicles.
Hotels and an auditorium stage also brought entertainment and more income to the
area, allowing Seattle boosters to claim that Pike Place was "The Finest Public Market
In The World."
Throughout the 1970s, the area underwent restoration and revitalization as a "Keep
the Market" campaign saved Pike Place from developers. Today, consumers, curious
tourists and over 600 vendors once again pack Pike Place Market stalls, creating an
atmosphere of social and ethnic diversity that makes it one of Seattle's most
engaging historic places.

LOCATION
The Pike Place Public Market Historic District is located six blocks west of Hwy. 5, near
the shores of Elliot Bay. Pike Place is roughly bounded by First Ave., Virginia St.,
Western Ave. and a wall running parallel with Union St. Pike Place Public Market
PLAN