This imposing brick structure before us is the National Building. Its dark red facade hints at a rich history. A history woven from railway ambitions and grocery dreams.
The National Building stands as a testament to Seattle’s booming commission trade in the early 1900s. Built by the Northern Pacific Railway between 1904 and 1905 it wasn’t just another warehouse. The railway envisioned a multimillion-dollar project to improve their Seattle holdings. The National Building was a key part of that plan.
Initially designed as a four-story warehouse the plans were expanded to six stories plus a basement. This wasn’t simply due to architectural whimsy. Demand soared as businesses sought space in this well-located building. The National Grocery Company one of the first tenants leased a significant portion. They eventually occupied the entire building becoming its namesake.
Kingsley & Anderson a prominent Seattle firm designed the National Building. The architects incorporated practical features for the time. These included ample lighting ten freight elevators and efficient storage facilities. Notice the piers capped with small Ionic capitals. These are not mere decoration but architectural elements typical of the period. The cornice too is a reproduction of the original. The original was lost over time but carefully recreated during a 1982 restoration. That restoration was a significant event in the building’s life.
The National Grocery Company left in 1930. The building’s name however stuck. Architect Robert C Reamer known for larger projects remodeled the upper floors for office space. The National Building continued to house businesses until the 1960s. Many companies then relocated to newer industrial areas outside downtown. The building almost succumbed to the fate of many of its neighbors. Several surrounding warehouses were demolished for parking lots.
But the National Building survived. Cornerstone Development Corporation recognized its historical value. They nominated it for the National Register of Historic Places. After successful restoration the building was sold to Seattle Waterfront Associates. On April 29 1982 it joined the National Register of Historic Places. A year later it achieved Seattle landmark status along with nearby buildings as part of the First Avenue Groups/Waterfront Center.
The National Building stands today a symbol of Seattle’s resilience. It has endured shifts in commerce architectural changes and near demolition. It quietly bears witness to the city’s evolution. A lasting monument to the past a vibrant hub of the present.