February 27 – March 2, 1889
The Brick Crisis: Why Seattle’s Boom Is Stalling Because of Empty Lots
Three 1889 Seattle editorials urged brick construction to stop capital flight.
3 reports in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 27 – March 2, 1889.
The story
Between February 27 and March 2, 1889, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer published three editorials warning that Seattle's growth was being held back by empty lots and wooden construction. The editorials urged property owners to build or lease commercial buildings, especially fireproof brick structures, and argued that inaction would drive capital and tradesmen away. They frame the issue as civic and financial pressure rather than reporting a specific incident.
Told from the 3 reports below. The reports are the record.
The archive grouped these reports automatically, by date, place and subject.
The reports 3
- The Seattle Post-IntelligencerThe Brick Crisis: Why Seattle’s Boom Is Stalling Because of Empty Lots
An editorial warns that the city's rapid growth is being choked by a lack of commercial infrastructure, urging property owners to build or lease for development before capital flees to rival towns.
- The Seattle Post-IntelligencerThe Brick Revolution: Why Seattle’s Wooden Streets Are a Financial Trap
An editorial in the Seattle Intelligencer argues that the city's reliance on timber construction is holding back its prosperity, urging property owners to invest in fireproof brick buildings to secure higher rents and double their income.
- The Seattle Post-IntelligencerThe Brick Block Mandate: Why Your Empty Lot is Killing Seattle's Economy
An editorial argues that refusing to build substantial structures on city land is a civic failure, urging property owners to construct brick buildings to retain tradesmen and attract new industry.
From the pages
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer · Feb 27, 1889
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer · Feb 28, 1889
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer · Mar 2, 1889
Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Public domain.