Before the first tulips bloom across the Northwest, vibrant bouquets fill the stalls at Pike Place Market. These blooms come from dedicated local farmers. Meet one of them.
Pike Place Market is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Seattle. Yet locals in the know understand that the Market is actually an incredible resource for community, comfort, and connection.
Stay up-to-date about everything happening at the Market!
Stay up-to-date about everything happening at the Market!
Our History
Learn how Pike Place Market became the soul of Seattle, from our humble beginnings to almost being smashed with a wrecking ball in the ‘70s.
1907
August 5, 1907
The Seattle City Council passes Council Member Thomas Revelle's ordinance to create a public farmers market on Pike Place.
1907
August 17, 1907
Six to 12 farmers bring their produce-filled wagons to Pike Place on opening day. They sell out by lunchtime.
1907
November 30, 1907
Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle dedicates the Market to the people of Seattle after Frank Goodwin completes construction of the first building.
1909
1909
Athenian Inn opens, with three Greek brothers as the owners.
1910
1910
Stalls are added thanks to a $10,000 contribution from the City of Seattle. The Sanitary Market building opens as well.
1911
1911
The Seattle City Council creates the jobs of Market Inspector (later changed to Market Master), Assistant Market Inspector, and Janitor.
1912
1912
The Corner Market building opens, with Three Girls Bakery as one of the shops.
1913
1913
The first of many proposals to create a new look to super-size the Market is rejected by Seattle voters.
1918
1918
The City of Seattle creates City Fish to counter the high price of fish.
1922
1922
With construction complete, the configuration of the Market looks much like it does today. A branch of the Seattle Public Library opens on the lower floor.
1926
1926
Arthur Goodwin takes over as manager of the Market from his uncle Frank.
1929
1929
Arthur Goodwin's book, "Markets: Public and Private" is published, which becomes a textbook for the creation of other markets.
1930
1930
Delivery man Peter DeLaurenti marries Mamie-Marie Mustelo, who works for her mother's grocery. In 1946 they purchase the grocery and create DeLaurenti.
1933
1933
Farmer Giuseppe "Joe" Desimone owns more than half the shares in the Pike Place Public Market Company, making him the major decision maker.
1935
1935
Dance Hall operates in the Economy Market Building. During the Depression, the Market was a central community gathering place as well as a major food center.