The Real Estate Gambles of Pioneer Seattle
A historic real estate listing reveals the precarious nature of land titles in early Seattle and the high-stakes land development following the death of P.C. Comstock.
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 estate of P.C. Comstock, deceased, is offering fifty-two lots in the Comstock and Comstock Supplemental additions at $150 per lot. These additions lie side by side, within two blocks of the Front Street extension grade and sidewalk, near the bay, and within four blocks of the street car line as now laid. They afford the best view of any lots in the city and are well worth $250 per lot. The management of the estate is handled by Charles K. Jenner, executor of the last will and testament of P.C. Comstock. Buyers are cautioned that the estate must be sold.
“These additions lie side by side... and afford the best view of any lots in the city and are well worth $250 per lot.”
This 1885 advertisement highlights the familiar Seattle pattern of rapid real estate speculation and the constant churn of land ownership. Much like today, 'view lots' near transit lines were the premium product, though early buyers often faced significant legal risks regarding the legitimacy of their land titles.
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