Pike Place Market Centennial

Initiative 1

In 1971, Friends of the Market sponsored Initiative 1, which would establish a 7-acre historic district around the Market and a commission to approve and oversee any alteration or demolition of Market buildings. Twenty-five thousand signatures were collected in three weeks to qualify the measure for the ballot that November. The Mayor, City Council, and business community promoted a weaker counterproposal that included a smaller preservation area and less rigorous enforcement. While both groups claimed to be "saving" the Market, the voters preferred the vision of the Friends by a 3-to-2 margin.

Initiative petition

Flyer against initiative

Historical district

Audio:
Mrs. Carl Nugent speaking as a friend of the Market, April 19, 1969
     Part 1 (4.9 mb)
     Part 2 (5.0 mb)
     Part 3 (5.5 mb)

CD 179, Recording ID 101
City Council Audio Tapes (Record Series 4601-03), Seattle Municipal Archives

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