The Seattle Building Boom of 1892
A record-breaking month of construction permits signals a massive wave of development in the downtown core.
The story, cleaned up
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Building operations took a sudden turn last week, and more permits were issued than for any week in the same time. The total number was thirty-five. J.C. Helms, superintendent of buildings, bridges and wharves, noted that August and September saw a surge in construction, and October is expected to exceed them. A permit was issued to J. G. Kenyon for a $40,000 brick block to be erected at the southwest corner of Front and Seneca, to be used as stores and apartments. It will be six stories in height and 60x100 feet in dimensions. Additionally, Rev. Father Garraud has taken out a permit for a fine Catholic church at the corner of Madison street and Broadway, which will cost about $10,000.
“The chances are, I think, that there will be a great deal of building during the winter months. More so than usual, I believe.”
The massive investment in high-density brick blocks near the waterfront reflects the 'Gold Rush' style growth that defined Seattle’s recovery after the Great Fire of 1889. Today, those same historic locations remain the epicenter of continuous, high-stakes urban redevelopment.
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