Metropolitan Tract

However, the building fell into increasing disrepair, and an effort led by Edmond Meany to move it to the new campus and rehabilitate it was unsuccessful.

[4] The initial 1902 lessee, the University Site Improvement Company, began construction on the building for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, but the lease was soon forfeited.

Next, the land was leased on November 1, 1904, by James A. Moore, who completed the P-I building and oversaw the continuation of Fourth Avenue through the old campus.

[2] Howells & Stokes' design included a department store, offices, a hotel, housing, and a small plaza, all to be built in a similar style and scale.

Their decoration would combine elements of the Beaux Arts and commercial (Chicago school) styles, such as symmetry and a clearly marked storefront.

The Cobb Building , 1301–1309 Fourth Avenue, is the only remaining building whose design conforms to the original Howells & Stokes plan for the Metropolitan Tract.
A 1915 advertisement welcoming visitors to what was then known as the "University Tract", but already managed by the Metropolitan Building Company.
Entryway of Fifth Avenue Theater, in the Metropolitan Tract.
Lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, in the Metropolitan Tract.
Rainier Square Tower, May 2020 from 4th Avenue and Union Street