Triangle Hotel and Bar

Did Victor Hugo Smith ever imagine his architectural gem would become a Seattle icon? The Triangle Hotel and Bar, right before your eyes, stands as a testament to his vision. This quirky triangular building, also known as the Flatiron Building, has witnessed over a century of Seattle’s vibrant history. The Triangle Hotel and Bar, completed in 1910, was designed by architect C.A. Breitung. Commissioned by Smith, a prominent real estate figure and financier, the building mirrors the iconic Flatiron Building in New York City. Its unique shape is a direct result of its location, nestled between First Avenue South and the railroad tracks that once led to Seattle’s bustling wharves. The Triangle Hotel and Bar originally housed a saloon on the ground floor and eight rooms above. Its early years saw it function as both a hotel and, like many in the district at the time, a brothel. The ground floor consistently served as a tavern until 1929. In that year, Western Union Telegraph Company moved in, establishing its “C” branch office. This branch, the first of its kind in Seattle, connected to the main office via pneumatic tubing. It also holds the distinction of being one of Western Union’s earliest urban branch offices. In the early 1970s, the then-vacant upper floors were renovated into office spaces. The building was purchased and revitalized by architects Les Tonkin and Walt Greissinger, who then occupied the space themselves. This occurred after the establishment of the Pioneer Square Preservation District in 1970. Years later, in 2017, the building was sold to developer Raymond Spencer. Recent renovations promise a return to the Triangle Hotel and Bar’s roots, as a boutique hotel with a bar and restaurant at ground level. The Triangle Hotel and Bar’s resilience is evident. It even survived a demolition scare after the 1964 Alaska earthquake, which threatened the top two floors. The Triangle Hotel and Bar stands proudly on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its enduring presence in Seattle’s heart. It’s more than just a building; it’s a tangible piece of Seattle’s past, whispering stories of a bygone era.