Union Trust Building

What to know

The Union Trust Building is a four-story commercial structure located at 119 S Main Street in the heart of Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood. Erected in 1893, it was one of the few substantial buildings constructed that year, as the city was grappling with the onset of the Panic of 1893 and recovering from the Great Seattle Fire. Architecturally, the building is defined by its striking light-brick exterior and the use of Romanesque arches. This design blended the sturdy craftsmanship of the late 19th century with a style that symbolized progress and resilience for a city rebuilding itself from the ashes of disaster. For decades, the building stood as a quiet witness to the neighborhood's decline. In the 1960s, when the area was better known as "Skid Road," architect Ralph Anderson purchased the property from investor Sam Israel for $50,000. Anderson's subsequent remodeling of the space set a critical pattern for the next several decades of development in the district. Because it was one of the first rehabilitated buildings in the area, the Union Trust Building helped spark the broader preservation movement in Pioneer Square. This effort eventually transformed the neighborhood into an official historic district and a modern hub for commerce and creativity.

Visitor tips

• Look up at the Romanesque arches to appreciate the 1893 craftsmanship.
• Visit the corner of Main Street and Occidental Way South for the best photographic angle of the building.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this building is part of a wider stroll through the Pioneer Square historic district.

Nearby context

The Union Trust Building sits at a prominent corner location in Pioneer Square, positioned at the intersection of Main Street and Occidental Way South. It serves as an anchor for the neighborhood's historic character, surrounded by other rehabilitated structures that define this designated historic district.