Seattle in King County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Mutual Life Building
1897
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2011
1. Mutual Life Building Marker
This modified Romanesque Revival building of brick and terra cotta complements the nearby Pioneer Building. It has been home to such varied businesses as a speakeasy (1920s), elegant cigar store (1930s), and ice cream parlor. Site of Henry Yesler’s Cookhouse (1854-66) and First National Bank (1882).Erected by Assistance League of Seattle.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 47° 36.116′ N, 122° 20.051′ W. Marker is in Seattle, Washington, in King County. Marker is at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Yesler Way on 1st Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 605 Ist Avenue, Seattle WA 98104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Pioneer Square Pergola (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Building (within shouting distance of this marker); What do you need to rush for gold? (within shouting distance of this marker); How Did Fire Forge the City? (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchant’s Cafe
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2011
2. Mutual Life Building Marker
this page online
Also see . . . Mutual Life Building, 601-607 First Avenue, Seattle, WA (Historic American Buildings Survey). (Submitted on November 9, 2016.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2011
3. Mutual Life Building
Photographed By Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret), May 31, 2018
4. Mutual Life Building Front Entrance
Photographed By Richard E. Miller
5. The Nearby Pioneer Building
As seen from 1st Avenue across Pioneer Square Park
Photographed By Kenneth Grossman, 1983
6. Mutual Life Building, 601-607 First Avenue...
Significance: The Mutual Life Building is an example of Victorian Romanesque architecture typical of the buildings in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square. Designed to two prominent Seattle architects, Elmer Fisher and James E. Blackwell, it was constructed after the great Seattle fire of 1889. The site of the building is significant in Seattle's history as that of Henry Yesler's cookhouse, the city's first restaurant and public space. The building's location across from Pioneer Square and its pergola make it a prominent part of the historic fabric of the district. - Historic American Buildings Survey
October 24, 2016
7. Mutual Life Building - Wide View
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 707 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on May 31, 2018, by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret) of Coronado, California. 5. submitted on September 16, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 6, 7. submitted on November 9, 2016. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
