Pike Place Market
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The Pike Place Market, which opened for business on August 17, 1907, is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in downtown Seattle, Washington, USA. Occupying over 9 acres (36,000 m²) bounded by First Avenue to the east, Western Avenue to the west, Virginia Street to the north, and, to the south, a line drawn from First to Western Avenues halfway between Pike and Union Streets, it is a popular tourist destination. In fact there is a whole book called "FISH!" written about the philosophy of their employee work ethic.
One of its attractions is Pike Place Fish, where employees throw fish to each other rather than passing them by hand. (The "flying fish" are so famous that they appeared in an episode of the television sitcom Frasier that was shot on location in Seattle, and have been featured on The Learning Channel.) Pike Place Fish Market employees have committed themselves to becoming "world famous". "They have accomplished this by being truly great with people. The employees want to give each person the experience of having been served and appreciated, whether they buy fish or not."
Built at the edge of a steep hill, the Market has several lower levels below the main level, featuring some unique shops. One of the few head shops remaining in Seattle operates therein, as well as comic book sellers, antique dealers and tiny, family-owned restaurants. At the upper street level are eight fresh-produce stands that are open year-round, and crafts stalls operate throughout the covered arcades. Local farmers sell all year in the arcades from tables they rent on a daily basis. Ample parking facilities are found in the area which is also accessible to downtown shopping and the waterfront amusements.
Starbucks' first store has operated on Pike Place in the Market since 1971.
In 1963, a proposal was floated to demolish the market and replace it with Pike Plaza, which would include a hotel, an apartment building, four office buildings, a hockey arena, and a parking garage. This was supported by the mayor, many on the city council, and a number of market property owners. However, there was significant community opposition, and an initiative was passed on November 2, 1971 that created a historic preservation zone. The Pike Place Market Public Development Authority was created and the market buildings were brought into public ownership.
Victor Steinbrueck Park, just northwest of the market, was named in 1985 after the architect who was instrumental in the market's preservation.
External links
- Pike Place Market (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/)
- Pike Place Fish (http://www.pikeplacefish.com/)
- Pike Place Market: Thumbnail History (http://www.historylink.org/_output.CFM?file_ID=1602)
- Vote No on Initiative 1 (http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~archives/altvote.htm)