Named for the Seattle-based architect Victor Steinbrueck, it is positioned between Western Avenue and Alaskan Way at the foot of Virginia Street.

The park overlaps the former site of the Washington National Guard Armory,[1] which was originally built around 1909 and damaged by fire in 1962 at a time when the future of the Market itself was a contentious issue.

"[3] The city purchased the land in 1968, demolished the remnant of the armory, and transferred ownership to the parks department in 1970.

A modified plan released in December 2023 would permanently replace the totem poles with indigenous sculptures from members of the Suquamish and Muckleshoot tribes.

[8] The Pike Place Market Historical Commission rejected the plan and required the restoration of the original totem poles.