What is the Alaska Trade Building known for?

It is recognized as Seattle's best surviving example of early reinforced concrete commercial construction and is associated with the labor movement and the Seattle Union Record, the only union-owned daily newspaper in the country.

When was the Alaska Trade Building built and who constructed it?

The building was built in 1909 by brick and tile manufacturer James H. Steele.

What are the architectural features of the building?

It was one of the first buildings in the area constructed from reinforced steel, concrete, and brick, and it was advertised as being completely fireproof.

Where is the Alaska Trade Building located?

The building is located at 1915-1917 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.

What was on the site before the Alaska Trade Building?

It replaced a two-story wooden building called the 'Rose Block' that existed before the Great Seattle fire.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Alaska Trade Building in Seattle

Alaska Trade Building

Built in 1909 by James H. Steele, this fireproof brick and concrete structure stands at 1917 First Avenue. It served as the home of the Seattle Union Record, the nation's only union-owned daily newspaper, and remains a key landmark of Seattle's labor history.

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What to know

The Alaska Trade Building stands as a sturdy testament to early 20th-century commercial ambition in Seattle. Constructed in 1909, this structure replaced the Rose Block, a two-story wooden building that had survived the Great Seattle Fire. The new edifice was engineered by brick and tile manufacturer James H. Steele, who sought to create a modern, resilient headquarters for trade activities. Architecturally, the building is significant for its innovative use of materials. It was among the first structures in the area to combine reinforced steel, concrete, and brick in a single design. At the time of its completion, it was aggressively advertised as being completely fireproof, a compelling selling point in a city still recovering from the trauma of widespread wooden construction fires. Beyond its physical durability, the Alaska Trade Building holds a unique place in American labor history. In 1915, the Central Labor Council and the local Trade Union purchased the property, transforming it into a hub for organized labor. This acquisition allowed the building to house the Seattle Union Record, which operated as the country's only union-owned daily newspaper. Today, the building is recognized as Seattle's best surviving example of early reinforced concrete commercial construction. Its facade, located at 1915-1917 First Avenue, offers a glimpse into the industrial aesthetic of the era. While the interior may have changed, the exterior remains a protected and studied artifact of the city's architectural and social development.

Visitor tips

Look for the brick and concrete facade at 1917 First Avenue to appreciate the early reinforced construction techniques.
Photograph the building's exterior to capture its role as a landmark of the Seattle labor movement.
Allow 10-15 minutes to read any historical plaques and observe the architectural details from the street.

Nearby context

Located on First Avenue in downtown Seattle, the Alaska Trade Building sits within the heart of the city's commercial district. It stands near other historic structures that reflect Seattle's growth from a wooden frontier town to a modern metropolis. The area is walkable and connected to the broader downtown grid, making it an easy stop between other cultural and commercial landmarks.