| Historic Name: |
Seattle Labor Temple |
Common Name: |
Seattle Labor Temple |
| Style: |
Modern - Contemporary |
Neighborhood: |
Belltown |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1942 |
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| Significance |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places. |
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In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. |
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The Labor Temple was built in 1942, as the booming wartime workforce increased the number of local workers and numerous unions established offices in this vicinity. It replaced an inadequate older buidling on Sixth Avenue. Seattle has been known since the early 20th century for the strength of its labor movement, and this building has been the center for organizing and office activities for more than sixty years. This prominent half-block building was originally two stories, designed by McClelland and Jones. A two-story auditorium on the north side was built in 1946. A third story, designed by Dietrick, Harmon and Pray, and compatible with the original structure, was added in 1955. It is a good example of 1940s Modernist design in its materials and lack of ornamentation.
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| Appearance |
| This building is of solid brick construction, clad with buff-colored brick. It has clean lines, with the primary ornamentation being the large windows with spandrels of aqua-colored terra cotta tile below. The first story windows are 12-light steel sash, with the second and third stories having smaller 9-light windows. These may be newer replacements but appear similar to the original sash. They are spaced at regular intervals, with five on each side of the central entry. The slightly recessed entry bay, trimmed with polished red granite, rises two stories. A auditorium at the north end is two storeis in height, but lower than the main building. It has a grand entry bay with three recessed bays, each edged with aqua terra cotta and with a set of metal doors. Abvoe each entry is a terra cotta panel with a large light fixture, with tall windows above lighting the lobby. The south façade of the main section of the building has another separate entry to a restaurant. |
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