<p>The Rainier Heat &amp; Power Company was founded in 1912 by William M. Chappell (1867-1921). A successful businessman and gold prospector, he came to Seattle in 1900 to invest in real estate. The Rainier Heat &amp; Power Co. maintained a heating plant and developed buildings in Seattle's International District. Rainier Heat &amp; Power Co. is listed in city directories from 1912 through 1981.
They built this building in 1926 for retail and apartments, known as The Governor. In 1934 the International branch of Seafirst Bank was opened in the building, featuring Chinese, Japanese and various European speaking tellers to cater to the neighborhood's diverse clientele. Located on the northeast corner of South Jackson Street and 6th Avenue South, the building still stands in the International District. The top of the Smith Tower can be seen behind the building. The Rainier Heat &amp; Power Company Building, built in a similar style, is also still standing, two blocks east on Jackson and Maynard at 654 S Jackson. Several business signs on this street are written in Chinese or Japanese.</p>
<p>Businesses in image: The Grand Dancing; Alaska Grill; Man Shin Low Cafe; Chop Suey Noodles; Oriental Optical Co.</p>
<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Asian American business enterprises--Washington (State)--Seattle; Buildings--Washington (State)--Seattle; Business enterprises--Washington (State)--Seattle; Streets--Washington (State)--Seattle</li></ul>
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<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/search">Museum of History and Industry</a>