The Hall That Never Was: Seattle’s $1 Million Dream for a Convention Center

A project for the construction of a large public hall in Seattle has been quietly considered for some time past by number of business men of this city. Several of them stated to the Star this morning that definite action looking to the construction of such a building would be taken in the near future.

In brief, the scheme is to erect an auditorium or expositions, conventions and other large assemblies, which shall exceed in size any other structure of a similar class to be found north of San Francisco. The fact is recognized that Seattle's one great lack at this time as a convention city is the absence of a building of sufficient size and equipment to comfortably hold four or five thousand people.

Several days ago the Star called editorial attention to the fact that such a structure was needed. Today Mr. James B. Smith, manager of the Alaska company, said: "There is a project now on hand in which I am interested looking to the construction of a large public hall. While the plans are not matured it is my hope to see it erected in time to secure the next fair for Seattle. That the building should be centrally located all are agreed."

"I am glad to that the Star is taking an interest in the project for a large public hall. The idea is not original with you, however. A movement has not been made up to this time and yet the matter has been under consideration for some time. I have had several conferences with others interested in such a project and while our ideas are not sufficiently defined to be made public, I feel sure that the building will materialize. It will not necessarily be erected this summer but can be considered a sure thing. We have the Portland exposition building in mind and may go one better. The structure should be one of a permanent character suitable for a state exposition and all other usages which have been suggested. No doubt a private corporation will undertake the construction."

Mr. L. B. Miller of the Seattle International railway, who is another one of the saviors of the proposed building, remarked: "There is no doubt but that the structure will be erected sooner or later. For months the project has been discussed among business men of this city and there could be no better time to take the matter up in earnest than right now."

Julius Riehlheimer said: "For the past nine years I have felt that a large hall was a necessity in this city. It is not alone a public building that is needed but also fair grounds. Seattle is the only place in King county where a successful fair could be held, yet we have continually neglected this important matter. It is my idea to make the enterprise one of a private nature. It might be accomplished through a public subscription. I think it is the duty of the state to contribute and to provide for the holding of an annual fair in Seattle. Look at Portland with its fine exposition building and its always successful state fairs."

Municipal aid might be assured for the advancement of the enterprise. There is no objection to it. One thing we must keep prominently in mind. We have been continually inviting national conventions to meet in this city but have no accommodations to offer."

Messrs. Riehlheimer & Murlin gave this joint opinion: "We have no suggestion to make for the erection of a public hall. There is no doubt but that one is needed. It might be erected by a corporation of merchants and operated in the interest of Seattle. We believe that all business men and the railroads would contribute."