Interurban Building

In 1890, a grand vision took root in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. The Interurban Building, originally the Seattle National Bank Building, began to rise. This magnificent structure, designed by a young John Parkinson, was the dream of William Rankin Ballard. He envisioned the finest business block in the city, a testament to Seattle’s resilience after the Great Fire of 1889. The Interurban Building, with its Richardsonian Romanesque style, became just that. Its red sandstone, imported from Colorado, made it stand out among its gray-stone neighbors. A carved lion’s head greeted patrons at the bank’s corner entrance. Subtle faces, often missed, peered from the Yesler Way entrance, adding a touch of whimsy to the grand design. The Interurban Building wasn’t just a bank. It housed the city’s first interurban railway, connecting Seattle to Tacoma and beyond. The grand banking hall transformed into a bustling depot in 1904, filled with travelers embarking on adventures. The railway’s presence solidified the building’s nickname, the Interurban Building, a moniker that endures to this day. Over the years, the Interurban Building has weathered storms, both literal and figurative. It survived the Panic of 1893, ownership changes, and even threats of demolition. It adapted to the changing times. The southeastern wing was demolished in 1929 to allow more light into the inner offices, and the basement became a parking garage. Today, the Interurban Building stands as a symbol of Seattle’s enduring spirit. It has been a bank, a transportation hub, and a home to countless businesses. Its walls echo with stories of ambition, innovation, and the constant hum of a city on the rise. The Interurban Building is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to Seattle’s rich history.