The Real Estate Hustle of 1889
Developers were peddling land at the edge of town, promising a 'steam motor' rail line to entice buyers into settling the outskirts of Seattle.
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.
Choice residence and business lots now offered for sale at the Commercial Street Addition. Prices from $100 to $150, $175, $200, $250. Terms easy. This property is beautifully situated at the head of Elliott Bay, with an unexcelled street running through it. Lots all cleared and ready for building. No side hills, property is level. A street car line operated by steam motors will in a short time be in operation to this addition. The drive in the city is now planked past this property. Lots sold for a small cash at above prices. Come see us.
“A street car line operated by steam motors will in a short time be in operation to this addition.”
This 1889 advertisement highlights the recurring pattern of 'transit-oriented development' in Seattle, where developers used the promise of infrastructure—then steam-powered streetcars, now light rail—to drive speculation and settlement in previously undeveloped districts.
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