Seattle Regrade Photograph Collection
Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. Seattle’s massive effort to regrade and flatten much of the city’s hilly landscape is documented in this 1905-1908 photo album. Explore our map to see the modern-day photo locations.
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Marion St. east from 2nd Ave., February 5, 1982
Photograph shows remnants of the Olympic National Life Building after demolition on the northeast corner, as well as the YMCA building and the former Union Bank of California Building (later rebranded as 901 Fifth Avenue) on the corners of 4th Ave. and Marion St.
Identifier: spl_dor_00029
Date: 1982-02-05
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View from 2nd Ave. of steam shovel and Washington Hotel, ca. 1905
Although the regrade started in 1903, James Moore, the owner of the Washington Hotel, refused to clear the property until 1906 when regrading of Second and Third Avenues were well underway.
Identifier: spl_dr_015
Date: 1905
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View north to regrade at 7th and Virginia, ca. 1906
Dwellings in the process of being lowered appear to the right.
Identifier: spl_dr_035
Date: 1906
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Nome flats from near Anvil Creek, ca. 1899
Gold was first discovered at Anvil Creek in the summer of 1898 setting off the Nome Gold Rush. Prospectors hurried to stake claims and Nome's population quickly ballooned to 10,000 people. In 1899, more gold was discovered on beaches near the town and spurred an even greater rush of visitors. By 1900, an estimated 1,000 people a day were arriving in Nome. Pillsbury took some of the first available photographs of the Nome. Following his departure, the winter conditions made it too difficult for others to reach the area.
Identifier: spl_ap_00013
Date: 1899?
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View east from near 1st Ave. and Pine St. to regrade activity, ca. 1906
The Washington Hotel appears at the top of the hill. Although the regrade started in 1903, James Moore, the owner of the Washington Hotel, refused to clear the property until 1906 when regrading of Second and Third Avenues were well underway.
Identifier: spl_dr_027
Date: 1906
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John Rupp Interview, March 24, 1988
John Rupp (1913-1996) was a Seattle native and a prominent attorney, active in a variety of organizations. Rupp graduated from the University of Washington Law School in 1937 and joined his father’s firm McMicken Rupp & Schweppe. During World War II, Rupp served in the United States Navy and acted as an aide to the Commander of the North Pacific Fleet. Rupp was president of the Seattle Bar Association from 1956 to 1957 and served on the Washington State Transportation Board from 1957 to 1963. In 1962 Rupp became vice president and counsel for Pacific Northwest Bell. He acted as president of the Washington State Bar Association from 1966 to 1967. In 1989, Pacific Northwest Bell disbanded and Rupp joined the firm of Preston Gates & Ellis. Rupp was also an active member of the Washington State Board of Education, the Seattle Historical Society, the Seattle Yacht Club and the Seattle Municipal League.
Identifier: spl_ds_jrupp_01
Date: 1988-03-24
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View SE from 2nd Ave. and Bell St., ca. 1906
Photograph appears to be taken after the completion of regrade work on 2nd Avenue. The Moore Theatre and the New Washington Hotel are visible on the right side of the photo in the distance.
Identifier: spl_dr_038
Date: 1906
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Regrade construction SE of New Washington Hotel, ca. 1906
The backs of the Washington Hotel Annex (later known as Hotel Gowman and Hotel Stewart), the New Washington Hotel and the Moore Theatre are visible in distance near 2nd and Virginia intersection.
Identifier: spl_dr_039
Date: 1906
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Denny Regrade, ca. 1906
Water jets and building being deconstructed at unidentified regrade location.
Identifier: spl_dr_009
Date: 1906
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View of regrade north from Madison St., ca. 1906
View north to regrade steam shovel at work on Spring St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Piper and Taft Sporting Goods and Hotel George appear in the background.
Identifier: spl_dr_040
Date: 1906
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