VintageSeattle.org

Today I want to take a look at one of Pioneer Square’s industrial relics that has been making headlines recently: the historic Seattle Plumbing Building. This striking nearly-triangular brick building was built in 1903 and originally housed the Duncan, Carrigan and Hayden Company. In 1916, the entire building was devoted to the Seattle Plumbing Company — hence the name. The site is currently slated to become the Stadium Lofts condo conversion with Nitze-Stagen & Co. and Historic Seattle partnering up to make it happen. They have promised that “wherever possible, historical elements, such as the original window and door openings, will be retained” and “railroad tracks that were once used inside the warehouse to unload passing cars are being preserved.” However, opponents of the plan for the new condo have not been happy about the proposed addition of a 4th floor of lofts sitting atop the old structure. Check out the original rendering vs the updated version to see what I mean. Regardless of how you come down on this issue of where to draw the line when it comes to adaptive re-use, let’s take a look at the building as it stands today. You won’t be able to see it in its original form for long, so check it out in person after a sports game if you can. Click on the images for high-res copies of the photos.

The south face of the Seattle Plumbing Building, and what a small face it is. It is not known who the architect for the building was.	The west face of the building. After the fire of 1889, many buildings in the downtown area were built with brick and stone.
A few steps to the right showing the south and east faces of the building. Qwest field and parking lot are just to the right of this.	In this photograph you can see Qwest field looming over the venerable old building.
The west face of the building as viewed from under the Alaskan Way Viaduct.	Once again shot from under the Viaduct, showing the adjoining building to the north.
Alternate view of the west side of the building. To the left of the building ran Railroad Avenue.	A head on shot of the west face of the building. Notice the double-hung sash on the second floor. You can also make out the ghost sign: “Seattle Plumbing Supply.”
The east face of the building complete with ghost sign, this time harder to make out. The original cornice of the building is long gone.	This loading bay along Occidental Ave is currently used as a storage entrance.
Alternate view of the loading bay. Each windows is grounded with a stone sill.	Close-up of the 1st floor windows and weathered brick.
Further south you will find another loading bay and more boarded up windows. Original railroad tracks remain.	Another view of the west side of the building. You can see some in-filled windows and bays. Most railroad tracks from this street have been removed.
A look inside the east loading bay reveals original wood timbers, car decking, and white painted brick.	Turning left you can see a storage loft area. These interiors are about to become an altogether different type of loft.

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