The Shanty That Refused to Die
A year after the grand Yeager Building rose on Front Street, a flimsy wooden shack still blocks the sidewalk—proof that Seattle’s building codes are mere suggestions.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The small wooden building between the Yeager-levy building and the Starr block should come down. The city council permitted its erection within the fire limits about a year ago, upon the distinct understanding that it was to be but a temporary structure and would be torn down as soon as the Yeager building was completed.
The Yeager building was completed many months ago, but the shanty on Front street still stands.
In 1889, Seattle was rebuilding from the ashes of its great fire, yet even new construction couldn't shake the habit of leaving temporary fixes in place. This 'shanty' culture mirrors modern debates over accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and temporary housing solutions that often become permanent fixtures in a city desperate for density.
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