In 1889, Seattle lost 25 downtown blocks to a fire and later raised some streets by as much as 22 feet; 137 years later, visitors can walk through old storefronts and sidewalks beneath Pioneer Square

In June 1889, a catastrophic fire reshaped Seattle, prompting city officials to elevate street levels to address mud and sanitation issues for local merchants. This led to the creation of underground areas, which served various functions until they were shuttered for health reasons in 1907. The 1960s saw a revival of interest in Pioneer Square’s history, resulting in restored areas now accessible to the public while ensuring safety and preservation.