Seattle’s Pike Place Market Stays True to Purpose

In Seattle, historic Pike Place is as famous as the futuristic Space Needle. What has made Pike Place Market—originally an open space where farmers gathered to sell produce from wagons—a venerable shopping and tourism institution worthy of emulation today? The key is in its authenticity.

Pike Place Market, in the heart of the historic district, began in 1907 when the city issued permits to farmers to allow them to sell their wares from wagons directly to consumers. The farmers market was successful and, in time, the city built stalls. Eventually, solid buildings with practical names were constructed along Pike Place, among them, the Corner Market Building, Triangle Building, Economy Market Building for day-old merchandise sales, and the Sanitary Market, the first building in the market to ban live animals inside.

Inner-city economic and physical decline began to take their tolls on the market in the 1950s. By the 1970s, in serious need of repair, Pike Place Market was threatened with redevelopment. But, citizens rallied behind their institution and voted by a two-to-one margin to save the market—and not just the buildings, but the original purpose, as well. Under the direction of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), the buildings of Pike Place Market were restored to their original appearances and spaces let to farmers and other businesses that reflect the market’s original intent. To ensure a good mix of farmers, craftspeople, and commercial ventures, the Pike Place Market Historic Commission established a set of regulations to govern the types of businesses allowed. And, to maintain the local atmosphere, the commission prohibits franchise or chain stores, although a business may get a start in the market and then branch out, like Starbucks, which opened its very first coffee bean roasting store in Pike Place Market in 1971.

Today, Pike Place Market is a preserved and updated venue for vendors of fresh seafood, produce, cheese, wines, bulk spices, tea, coffee, and arts and crafts. It is home to 250 permanent businesses, 100 farmers, more than 200 artists and craftspeople, and 500 residents. It is one of the oldest, continuously operating farmers markets in the country, generating approximately $100 million in sales a year to 9 million shoppers.

But, having learned from its history, Pike Place managers continuously develop new products and services to sustain a steady clientele and tourist trade. In recent years, the market introduced Organic Farmer Days, which groups organic produce growers together under one awning; a Market Basket program, which offers a weekly basket of fresh seasonal produce for 20 weeks; and Summer Sundays, which puts organic and traditional vendors on the street along with events and cooking demonstrations.

According to Sue Gilbert Mooers, communications specialist for Pike Place Market PDA, “visitors are drawn here because it is a real working market that attracts the local shopper.”

Contact Pike Place Market PDA at (206) 682-7453 for more information, or online at www.pikeplacemarket.org.

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