The Seattle Great Wheel gleams. It dominates the skyline from Pier 57.
Pier 57. That’s where we are. This isn’t just any pier. It boasts a rich history stretching back to 1902. Originally Pier 6 it served the John B Agen Company. The Miller and Geske Construction Company built it. Over the next decade it underwent several modifications.
In 1909 the Chicago Milwaukee & St Paul Railroad took over. They called it the Milwaukee Road. The pier became known as the Milwaukee Pier. It soon became a bustling hub. The McCormick Steamship Line the Munson McCormick Line and Osaka Shosen Kaisha all used it. By the mid-1930s it was also called the McCormick Terminal. Imagine the activity. Ships unloading cargo. People rushing about. A vital part of Seattle’s maritime life.
The 1950s saw part of the pier used for fish processing. The smell of the sea and the industry must have been strong. The sounds of hammering and machinery would have filled the air.
By the 1960s the Port of Seattle owned it. They cut holes in the deck for fishing. The pier was ageing. The pilings were decaying. The structure was sinking unevenly.
The city bought Pier 57 in 1971. Cargo shipping had moved south. The city renovated the pier. They spent three years revitalizing this vital piece of Seattle’s waterfront. In 1989 a trade occurred. The city swapped Pier 57 for Piers 62 and 63. Today Pier 57 is privately owned.
Hal Griffith a Seattle businessman had a vision. For almost 30 years he dreamed of a Ferris wheel on Elliott Bay. He and his family now own Pier 57. The Seattle Great Wheel is their crowning achievement. Miner’s Landing also thrives here. It offers gift shops tourist attractions and delicious seafood restaurants.
Griffith’s determination was tested. He faced logistical and political hurdles. He wanted to build the Ferris wheel next to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. He applied for permits in 2010. The project took three years. The pier’s pilings needed retrofitting.
The Seattle Great Wheel opened in June 2012. This 175-foot wonder has 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each gondola holds up to six passengers. It’s a testament to vision persistence and community collaboration. The Great Wheel not only provides entertainment but helped save waterfront businesses during the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s replacement.
So next time you visit Pier 57 remember its rich past. It’s a place where history meets innovation. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Seattle Great Wheel. Savor the seafood at Miner’s Landing. Feel the energy of a pier reborn. Pier 57 continues its journey. It evolves as a vibrant hub for tourism and entertainment. A symbol of Seattle’s enduring spirit.