Metropolitan Tract: The Evolution of a Seattle Landmark
The Metropolitan Tract stands as a testament to the urban transformation of downtown Seattle. Once the original home of the University of Washington, this land has evolved from an academic hub into one of the most significant commercial developments in the city's history, blending early 20th-century architectural ambition with modern urban utility.
The Academic Origins
Before it became a commercial center, the tract served as the original site of the University of Washington campus. In 1895, the university relocated to its current campus. Following this move, the original university buildings served various civic purposes; the new law school utilized one structure, while the main building was leased sequentially to the Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Public Library.
As commercial development accelerated in the city center, the original main building was moved several blocks to Fifth Avenue. Despite efforts led by Edmond Meany to rehabilitate the structure and move it to the new university campus, the building eventually fell into disrepair.
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Transition to Commercial Development
The shift from academic to commercial use began when the state legislature authorized the university regents to sell or lease the downtown land. On December 9, 1902, the regents opted to lease the tract, though they sold a small strip on the northwest corner to the U.S. government for a federal building, anticipating that a government presence would increase the overall value of the remaining land.
The early years of development were marked by shifting ownership. The first lessee, the University Site Improvement Company, began work on a building for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (P-I) but forfeited the lease. On November 1, 1904, James A. Moore took over the lease, completing the P-I building and facilitating the extension of Fourth Avenue through the former campus.
The Vision of a "City Within a City"
In 1907, Moore transferred the remaining 47 years of his lease to the Metropolitan Building Company. This company hired the New York-based firm Howells & Stokes to create a master plan for integrated development. Their goal was to build a "city within a city," which represented the largest downtown site development undertaken in the United States at that time.
The design called for a cohesive environment consisting of a hotel, housing, offices, a department store, and a small plaza. To ensure visual harmony, all buildings were designed to be 11 stories tall, utilizing brick for the main structures with terracotta ornamentation at the street and roof levels.
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Architectural Style and Legacy
The aesthetic of the tract combined elements of the Beaux Arts style—characterized by classical symmetry and grandeur—with the Chicago school (commercial style), which emphasized functional storefronts and structural efficiency. While the master plan proposed ten structures, only five were ever completed.
Construction was overseen locally by Abraham H. Albertson. After Howells & Stokes closed in 1917, the project continued under the successor firm, Howells & Albertson. Today, the Cobb Building remains the sole survivor of the original buildings from this era.
Key Facts
- Original Use: Site of the original University of Washington campus until 1895.
- Master Plan: Designed by Howells & Stokes as a "city within a city."
- Architectural Specs: Buildings were designed for 11 stories using brick and terracotta.
- Stylistic Influence: A blend of Beaux Arts and Chicago school architecture.
- Sole Survivor: The Cobb Building is the only original structure still standing.
Current Status and Scale
Today, the Metropolitan Tract is a massive commercial engine in downtown Seattle. It is managed through two long-term leases: one with Legacy Hotels for the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and garage, and another with UNICO Properties, Inc. for the remaining assets.
| Asset Type | Capacity/Size |
|---|---|
| Rentable Office Space | Over 1.4 million sq ft (130,000 m²) |
| Rentable Commercial Space | Over 200,000 sq ft (19,000 m²) |
| Hotel Rooms | Approximately 450 rooms |
| Parking Spaces | Over 2,000 spaces |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Metropolitan Tract before it became commercial?
It was the original site of the University of Washington campus before the university moved to its current location in 1895.
Who designed the original master plan for the tract?
The New York firm Howells & Stokes designed the master plan, aiming to create an integrated "city within a city."
What architectural styles influenced the development?
The buildings combined the symmetry of the Beaux Arts style with the commercial functionality of the Chicago school.
Which of the original buildings still exists today?
The Cobb Building is the only one of the original buildings from the Howells & Stokes era that survives.
Who currently manages the Metropolitan Tract?
The tract is operated via long-term leases with UNICO Properties, Inc. and Legacy Hotels (for the Fairmont Olympic Hotel).