For many Seattle old timers, 1st Avenue was historically a patchwork of bars, second hand stores and some of the city's more colorful adult-oriented businesses. As Seattle made the transition from a blue collar town to an epicenter of technology many of these institutions and the buildings that contained them have given way to a more gentrified (some would say clinical) appearance. Here we see present-day 1st Avenue near Virginia Street contrasted with a 1968 view. It's interesting to note that the offices for web-based real estate giant Redfin are in a crisp new high rise where Al & Leon once sold furniture across a rambling array of storefronts.
2 comments:
I just saw your work featured on the Evening Magazine clip that King 5 posted to Facebook today. Your pictures are fascinating! I've always been interested in local history and vintage photographs, and I like to wonder about the people who have walked in the same places I have. I really enjoyed looking through the photos on your blog. If you ever get a chance, I'd love to see some cross-time images of Everett, especially of my alma mater, Everett High School.
Thanks! Glad you like the historic mash-ups. I've been planning to do more with places outside Seattle. I'll definitely keep Everett in mind!
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