Consider this: Seattle’s skyline gained an elegant addition in early 1929 with the opening of the 1411 Fourth Avenue Building. It stands at the northwest corner of Fourth Avenue and Union Street. The 1411 Fourth Avenue Building is not just another pretty face. It is a designated Seattle Landmark. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Charles Douglas Stimson purchased this property in 1900. At the time, the only thing on the site was a trough for watering horses. By 1928, Stimson decided to erect something far grander. He chose Robert Chambers Reamer as the architect. Reamer was known for his willingness to experiment with new styles. Stimson implored Reamer to create the best and most substantial building, without extravagance.
Reamer truly delivered. The 1411 Fourth Avenue Building showcases Art Deco ornamentation. This is evident in its façade and interior finishes. The strong vertical piers dominate the building’s face. They defy its boxy shape. Geometric diamond designs frame stylized urns. These are visible in the recesses between the tapering spires. The façade is native gray sandstone. It hides a sturdy concrete and steel frame. The 1411 Fourth Avenue Building was the tallest edifice in the city with this type of facade at the time.
Inside, the lobby is lined with Honduran mahogany paneling. Dark-green and cream-veined marble wainscoting add to the luxury. Polished bronze elevator doors feature geometric designs. They provide a modern contrast to the wood and marble. Contemporary write-ups touted the building’s state-of-the-art technologies. Elegant elevators whisked visitors to their desired floors. Large windows provided natural light and fresh air. Even the floors had springs to reduce fatigue in the office staff.
The 1411 4th Avenue Building became a financial and transportation hub. It housed investment brokers, insurance firms, and ticket offices for railway companies. Dorothy Stimson Bullitt continued to run the Stimson Realty Company from an office here after her husband’s death. The intersection of 4th Avenue and Union Street became Seattle’s transportation hub.
Throughout its history, the 1411 Fourth Avenue Building has seen changes. Tully’s Coffee had its flagship store here from 1997 to 2012. In 2016, the Onni Group purchased the building.
Today, the 1411 Fourth Avenue Building still stands. It serves as a reminder of Seattle’s past. It is a testament to Stimson’s vision and Reamer’s architectural skill. The 1411 Fourth Avenue Building boasts exceptional access to restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels. Pike Place Market, Pacific Place Mall, and the Washington State Convention Center are all within walking distance. The 1411 Fourth Avenue Building is not just a building. It’s a piece of Seattle history.