USA > Washington > King County > History and progress of King County, Washington > Part 2
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In addition to the original cost of the site, approxi- mately $126,000.00 in local improvement assessments, in- eluding re-grades have been paid; to offset which, $45,- 000.00 in rentals have been collected, making the total cost of the site to date $316,000.00.
It is worthy of note that in the purchase of this site, Commissioner Baker and his associates on the Board were severely criticized, ridiculed and maligned in the publie press and on the street, for their reckless and in- warranted expenditure of public moneys. Tine, however, has demonstrated the wisdom of the purchase, for in 1914, at the commencement of construction work, the site was conservatively valued at $1.000,000.00.
The first steps toward actual construction of a new building on the site purchased in 1903 was taken on July 5th, 1911, at which time the Board consisted of M. L. Hamilton. A. L. Rutherford and David Mckenzie. A
resolution was passed on that day calling for a special election for September 5th, 1911, to vote on the question of issning bonds in the sum of $1,500,000.00, for the pur- pose of building a new Court House. No actual plans. specification or drawings for the building proposed to be constructed were furnished however, and the bonds were voted down by a vote of 7,322 for and 11,792 against ; the claim being made that had the people been fully advised as to just what they were to get for the money voted, the results might have been different.
A year later, the needs and demands for a new build- ing being more aente, the same Board passed unanimously a resolution calling for another bond issue for the same purpose, the amount being redneed to $950,000.00.
There is a little inside and heretofore untold story in connection with the fixing of this amount at $950,000.00 instead of an even $1,000,000.00, which might be consid- pred in the nature of a bait to the voter, but the des- warrant going to that extent. At all the conferonees held perate situation and need of a new building seemed to to consider the submitting of a new bond issne, the amount. had always been fixed at One Million Dollars. However, in view of the fact that just one year prior the people of the county had refused to vote a bond issue of $1,500,- 000.00. it was thought probable that it was the large amount asked for that frightened them. In both print and public speech Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars looks and sounds ich less than One Million Dollars, and altho $50,000.00 would make very little dif- ferener in the character of builling we would seeure, it might make a great difference in the number of votes received. It was considered probable that the average voter would vote for a bond issue of $950,000.00, while he might vote against the larger amount of $1,000,000.00. It was determined. therefore, to fix the amount of the bonds at the smaller figure.
Profiting by the mistake of the year before, they im- mediately employed an architect to plan such a building as could be built for the sum proposed, with ample fon- dations to carry additional stories whenever the needs re- quired it. The choice of an architect fell to A. Warren Gould, who at once prepared plans and drawings for the proposed building, which were widely published and posted thruont the County.
At this stage of the proceedings, a new element of great force entered into the negotiations in the form of the "Civie Center League." This organization had been formed to carry out if possible, the recommendation of Virgil Bogue, an Engineer of national reputation, employ- ed by the City of Seattle to plan a "City Beautiful" along modern lines. He had recommended the grouping of all publie buildings in a common "Civic Center" and had selected for such "Civic Center" in the Denny Hill re-
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grade distriet, a mile or more north of the present Court lfonse site. It was the purpose of this League to either force the construction of any new public buildings in the proposed Civic Center, or delay construction until such time as the people could be educated to the point of de- manding a Civic Center or await the election of a Board that would do their bidding. They were very persistent in presenting their demands before the County Commis- sioners, and in order to appease them and to get an ac- curate idea of what the people actually wanted, it was voted to submit also another bond issue in the sum of $1,400,000.00 being $950,000 for the building and $450,000 for a new site. A very exeiting campaign was carried on, a feature of which was the flaring posters gotten ont by both sides, and posted on bill boards and fences thruout the County. When the vote was counted on November 5th, 1912, it was found that the bonds for the Court House on the old site had carried by a vote of 35,768 for and 16,565 against, while the Civic Center plan had been defeated by 18,123 for and 31,206 against. It has been a matter of speculation as to just what the Board would have done had both bond issues carried.
Before proceeding further with the details of actual construction, the Board deemed it wise to call into con- sultation a committee of business men of established in- tegrity and experience in matters of this kind. The mem- bers of the Committee as finally determined upon were : Laurence Colman, Chairman ; J. S. Brace, Theodore Hal- ler, Herman Chapin and P. J. Smith. They entered into the matter at hand with enthusiasm, and altho they were all busy men, they gave their time and energy to the furtheranee of the project without stint and with no thought or hope of reward of any kind. Especially is this true of Messrs. Colman and Brace, for no final decision of any consequence in connection with the con- struction of the New Court House has been made with- out their approval, and it is to be hoped that whatever credit and appreciation is to be meted out for this under- taking at the present or in the future, that the members of this "Advisory Committee" receive their full share.
As soon as the details could be worked out, and act- ing under the advice of the Business Men's Committee, the bonds were offered for sale and on March 5th, 1913 were struck off to George H. Tilden & Co. Before de- livery of the bonds could be made however, the Board was enjoined by Court from issuing them, the plaintiff in the action being one of the Civic Center advocates, the League being still unreconciled to the construction of a public building outside of the proposed Bogue Center. The chief ground for the action to have the bonds deelared illegal, was that the voters had been deceived as to the kind and size of the building to be built with the pro- ceeds of the bonds. It was clearly shown at the trial that Architect A Warren Gould had produced a picture of a complete building of fourteen stories, such as is in contemplation for the future, and that the advocates of the down town location had made beautiful photographs of this picture and spread them broadcast thruout the County, to give the impression to the voters that that was the building they were to get for $950,000.00. After a lenghty trial with two Superior Court Judges on the bench, the contention of the plaintiff was upheld and the bonds declared illegal. An appeal to the Supreme Court seemed almost a forlorn hope, but it was finally deter- mined upon by Commissioners Hamilton and Rutherford,
backed by a lengthy and exhaustive brief, all at the hands of Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Robert IL. Evans, acting for the Board, the Supreme Court in December, 1913, re- versed the lower Court and held that the bonds were legal. The Board immediately advertised for new bids for the bonds and in May, 1914, they were sold to the Dexter llorton National Bank at par, five per cent, and a premium of $26,885.00. Thirty days later the total sum of $976,885.00 was covered into the County Treasury, and the deeks were all cleared for actual construction work.
Bids were called at once for a three-story fire- proof granite building under the Gould plans and spe- cifications, it being clearly stated that no bids exceeding the amount of money available would be considered. Bids were also asked for the construction of two additional stories, for the legislature of 1913 had passed an act per- mitting the joint action of County and City in erecting a publie building for the use of both municipalities, and the Seattle city authorities were talking of taking ad- vantage of that law, and wished to know approximately what the cost would be for two additional stories for their exclusive use. Bids were opened June 29th, 1914, with nine of the most reliable contracting firms in the Northwest responding to the call, and all of same were found to be within the amount available. This was eon- sidered as a vindication of Architect A. Warren Gould, as he had contended at all times that such a building as he had planned could be built for $950,000.00. The low bidder was the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company of Seattle, and on June 30, 1914, the contract was award- ed to them at $810,563.00. Their supplemental bid for two additional stories was $248,585.00.
The County was extremely fortunate in their selection of a builder, for the reputation of the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company for integrity, square dealing and ability to handle efficiently, large undertakings is welt known. During the entire progress of the construction work no serious differences or misunderstandings arose between the County and contractor, for the reason that the President of the Contracting Company, Samuel Hedges, met the County more than half way on a settle- ment of every point in which there was a difference of opinion,-and there were scores of them.
After a careful investigation to find the proper man for Superintendent of Construction to represent the County on the ground, the Advisory Committee recom- mended Mr. C. R. Aldrich, a well known architect and builder, and he was immediately employed. The appoint- ment proved a wise one in every way ; l'or in addition to the responsibility of seeing that the County received what it was paying for, he had a diplomatie way of settling strikes, interpreting specifications, conciliating sub-con- tractors and material men, that removed much detail from the shoulders of the Commissioners and the Advisory Committee.
On July 10th, 1914, ten days after the contract was let, the first sod was turned by Commissioner M. L. Ham- ilton. A brief ceremony had been arranged to eommem- orate the occasion, and from a crude platform of planks, Norman M. Wardall, as Master of Ceremonies, gave a short address of felicitation and introduced in turn Councilman A. F. Ilaas, Acting Mayor; David McKenzie, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners; M. L. Hamilton, County Commissioner ; P. J. Smith, member of
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HISTORY AND PROGRESS of
the Board in 1903 when the site was purchased; C. R. Aldrich. Superintendent of Construction; and Samuel Hedges of the Contracting Company, all of whom ex- pressed a sentiment of thankfulness that the dream of years was about to be brought to an actuality. Less than two hundred citizens were present.
The City of Seattle was paying ont annually nearly $30,000 in rentals for offices to house their varions de- partments that could not be accommodated in the City Hall, and the City Council desired very much to join with the County in the construction of the new building in order to bring all their scattered departments under one roof. They were unable however, to finance the mat- ter without calling an election to vote bonds for the pur- pose, which was not deemed desirable. The ownership of one building by two municipalities, when the title to the ground on which the building stood rested in one of them, presented many legal and objectionable obstacles too complicated to solve readily, and after many confer- ences between the Council, Commissioners and Advisory Committee, it was finally determined that a straight land- lord and tenant proposition was the cleanest cut and most reasonable solution of the matter of joint use. The City Council therefore. on October 3rd, 1914, passed a resolution declaring its intention to lease from the County of King approximately 50,000 square feet of floor space in their new building for a term of twenty years, at an annual rental of sixty (60c) cents per square foot. In order to provide this additional space, the County Com- missioners called a special election for November 3, 1914. to vote another bond issue of $350,000 to construct two additional stories. It was figured that the $500,- 000.00 in rentals received from the City during the twenty year term of the lease would pay the interest on the bonds and retire them in full. Very little opposition developed and the bonds were voted 40,508 for and 22,474 against.
When the time came to make a new contract for the addition of the two stories, a great difference of opinion arose as to whether they should be carried up of Index granite, the same as the lower stories, or if terra cotta should be used. There was a difference of some $30.000.00 in favor of the use of the latter material, which was a King County product, and the manufacture of which would give employment to many unemployed men, who were overrunning the City at that time. Many confer- ences were held with the Advisory Committee, and the Committee finally recommended the use of Terra Cotta. A supplemental contract was then entered into with the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company at $248,585.00.
The Terra Cotta used in the upper stories was mam- factured by the Denny-Renton Clay & Coal Company;
and is so well matched with the granite in color and texture that it is difficult to tell where one leaves off and the other begins. A little later on the Contractor was authorized to add still another story at an additional cost of $45,000.00. This story however, contains but 14,000 square feet, about one-half the size of the others, and is not discernible from the street, as it is set in from the main walls of the building. This additional space is to be occupied by the City Engineer, and the County will get an equal amount of space in the old City Hall build- ing for use as a County jail.
The formal lease between the County and City was not entered into until December 30, 1915, and provides, among other things, for a term of twenty years from that date at 60c per square foot per annum ; for the furnish- ing by the County of all janitor. elevator, heat, light and all ordinary building service; it being expressly provided however, that all electric energy used in the building shall be purchased from the City Lighting Department, at the lowest current commercial rates: for the con- struetion of a tunnel to connect the basement with Fourth Avenue near Yesler Way to be paid for jointly. This tunnel is for the purpose of making the basement avail- able for a garage, some sixty machines being owned by the two municipalities.
An information Bureau will be maintained and will be in the hands of J. W. Stokes, who holds the cigar stand concession. The building will be managed by Clarence W. Ide, former U. S. Customs Collector and U. S. Marshal.
The financial account for the building stands approx- imately as follows:
Total amount available from two bond sales. $1.335.250.00 Expended as follows :
Paid to Building Contractors. $1,158,607.43
Paid Architects fees and Superintendence __ 57,328.93
Paid for miscellaneous items. 11,709.47
Items contracted for but unpaid 44,000.00
$1.271,645.83
Balance of fund unexpended 63,604.17
$1.335,250.00
In the history of the construction of public buildings exceeding a million dollars in cost, it is certainly a unique and rare condition to have one built within the fund ap- propriated for the purpose, and without a breath of scan- dal connected with it. This should be a great source of pride to every citizen of King County and should go far toward inspiring faith in the integrity of its public offi- cials.
As the Work Proceeded
Contract was signed July 7. 1914 for the three-story building. Ground was officially broken July 11, 1914, by the County Commissioners, contractors and represen- tative citizens. Excavation continued practically without interruption, men being employed night and day in an effort to complete foundations before wet weather set in. About 56,800 en. yds. of earth were removed. The site
of the building has at former times been beaeh washed. four distinet beach lines being cut through in excavating for footings. Every pier of the building rests on very firm earth, two of the piers being put down to a deeper level than was anticipated to assure a good footing. A little quicksand was encountered, the bearing of the foot- ings being below the quicksand strata. The only water
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difficulties were caused by surface water, so that with the drainage provided, the basement will be dry for all purposes. No discernible settlement has occurred.
Concrete in the foundation was started along the Fourth Avenue side on August 13, 1914. There are 192 isolated pier footings, some of which contain enough con- crete in one footing for the foundation of an average sized residence. All of these are reinforced with steel bars rolled in Seattle. The structural portions above the foundations were carried on in the usual course of pro- cedure, all the structural portion being of Washington cement, reinforced with Seattle steel and in places a filler of Seattle clay tile. There were used in the building about 29,000 barrels of cement, 3,500,000 pounds of steel, 17,500 en. yds. of concrete. and 190,000 sq. ft. of floor tile.
The oringinal contract provided for the addition of two stories at the option of the County. Order was issued to the contractors to proceed with the two additional stories on December 11, 1914, these two stories to be faced on the outside with terra cotta made in Seattle, of which there are about 31,000 sq. Ft.
Setting of granite in the lower stories was com- menced on February 24, 1915, of which there are approxi- mately 37,000 en. ft. of Washington quarries.
The structure is built to permit the addition of five more stories if needed, consequently a temporary cornice was put on, the erection of same starting April 15, 1915. Roof covering was completed July 10, 1915.
On April 23. order was issued to add a partial sixth floor, for the use of the City Engineer, the structural portions of which are permanent.
Partitions of tile of which there are 260,000 sq. ft. started on May 4th. Plastering was started July 21. Of this there are 80,000 sq. yds. in addition to ornamental cornices, mouldings, etc., all of which is finished a smooth white.
Exterior bronze and plate glass windows, of which there are 515, were made in Seattle, the erection of same in the building commencing June, 5.
Interior doors, (624 in number), interior sash and trim, are of enameled steel, the ereetion of same com- meneing October 23, 1915.
There are approximately 21/2 acres of Alaska marble, eut in Tacoma, the installation of which commenced Ang- ust 24.
Ornamental iron, consisting of elevator fronts, stair rails. balustrades, etc., is a Seattle product.
There are four Otis Traction elevators, traveling 450 feet per minute, installed during the month of December, and are of the best type manufactured or used.
The plumbing and heating in the building was in- stalled by a Seattle firm, the work on which was carried out throughout the construction of the building. The heating is steam direct radiation with forced draft venti- lation for court rooms, the fan was made in Seattle and is capable of delivering 60,000 cu. ft. of air per minute. The heating in court rooms is regulated to an even tem- perature by thermostat control.
The electric fixtures are entirely of Seattle manu- facture, of bronze and polyease glass, installed in Decem- ber,
The building was accepted from the Contractors on February 25, 1916,. The Prosecuting Attorney ocenpied his space on February 26 and the installation of court room fixtures, office counters, desks, etc., was commenced on the same date.
The building is substantial, durable, and well-finished throughout and will undoubtedly prove a great benefit to the community for a long period of time.
History of the New Court House Site
T HE present Court House site is inseparably con- nected with the History of Henry L. Yesler. Mr. Yesler came to Seattle in the fall of 1852, with the intention of starting a saw mill. Early in April, 1853, the saw mall was set in operation, being the first one on Puget Sound. The mill became the center of operations in the little village of Seattle. It furnished labor and support to most of the inhabitants at that time. Mr. Yesler first built him a modest home on the N. E. corner of First Avenue and James Street, where the Pio- neer Block now stands. As the village grew his property gradually increased in value, and in time he became one of the wealthy men of the city. He was probably the landlord and owner of more houses occupied by tenants than any other man. Other people were building homes and buildings for themselves, but Yesler never missed an opportunity to get a tenant, and if he didn't have a house for that purpose, he would build one.
In all of the early enterprises of the City he was very active.
Beginning about 1870 the little town of Seattle had great hopes of immediate growth by reason of the coming here of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1873 the west- ern terminus of that road was located at Tacoma. From that time Seattle had to fight for its very existence. This went on for a period of more than twelve years, but in 1883 with the advent of Henry Villard to the management of the Northern Pacific, and the other companies which he had assembled under one management, Seattle and King County enjoyed a very rapid growth. It was under- stood at that time that Villard would give to all of the cities of the Northwest equal opportunities and fair play. This created large activities in the sale of real estate. Fortunes were made in a few months, by quite a number of Seattle's leading operators, among whom was Mr. Yesler.
Several of them at that time decided to build elegant homes, on which they conl dexpend a part of their newly acquired fortunes. The three most notable houses erect- ed at this time were those put up by Mr. Yesler, Mr. Mar- tin Van Buren Stacy, and Mr. James McNaught. Mr.
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HISTORY AND PROGRESS of
Yesler had in early years feneed the block now ocenpied by the new King County Court House, and there planted a large orchard. taking care of it for many years, but in 1883 he decided to erect his new home upon that site. By the time it was ready for occupancy he had expended somewhere from $75,000 to $100,000 and had secured for himself the most elegant mansion in all the Northwest.
Mr. and Mrs. Yesler soon moved into the building, but neither of them long survived. The last days of Mr. Yesler were not happy. Financial troubles came upon him, along with ill health and family troubles.
The first Mrs. Yesler died in 1887, and in 1890 Mr. Yesler astonished his friends by marrying Miss Minnie Gagle. The second wife was a young woman, and they did not live very happily together; and his last years were embittered by financial pressure, by ill health and by unpleasant martial relations with his second wife. There were no children.
Mr. Yesler died in December. 1892. After Mr. Yes- ler's death the creditors of the estate took overhis prop- erty and organized a company which they called the Henry L. Yesler Estate, Inc.
About 1896 the old home having been vacant for a long time, was seenred by Seattle for a Public Library which was maintained there, using at the same time the barn nearby for a reading room.
After the fire this property practically laid idle for a while, and finally some temporary structures were placed thereon, among them being the Coliseum Skating rink, afterwards used as the Orpheum Theatre and many small stores, and was acquired by the County Commission- ers for approximately the sum of $240,000.
The Court House block was a part of the original Yesler Donation Claim, and was cleared from the original forest. Yesler used it for a garden and orchard, and would go up there and spend hours of his spare time. He took a great deal of pleasure in superintending the ulti- vation, trimming and care of the trees, and had developed a really beautiful orchard years before he built his home.
Thirty or forty years ago the home owners were right down in the heart of the city and this old Yesler home was the most expensive and commodious house in the community, and in fact in the Northwest.
CLARENCE B. BAGLEY.
*
The Great Seattle Fire (From Grant's History )
O N the sixth of June, 1889, at 2:30 in the afternoon, the fire began. The weather was bright and clear. The air was still and sultry during the morning. There had been no rain for several weeks, and everything was dry and ready to fall an easy prey to the flames.
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