<p>Seattle experienced a period of downtown commercial expansion from 1902-1920 due to local economic prosperity after the Klondike Gold Rush and in tandem with explosive population growth and suburban neighborhood development. During this era, a concentration of banking enterprises and department stores were built along Second Avenue from Cherry Street to Pike Street.
The Beaux Arts style building seen here at the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Columbia Street in downtown Seattle was designed by William E. Boone (1830-1921) and James M. Corner (1862-1919). Built in 1906 to house the Boston National Bank, it later became known as the Seattle National Bank building when the two banks merged. A 1929 merger changed the name of the bank and building to Seattle First National Bank. A different bank, Seattle Trust &amp; Savings Bank, established its headquarters in this building in 1934 and became its longest lasting bank occupant. </p>
<p>Signs in image: Offices of Matson Navigation Co.; Alexander and Baldwin, Marine &amp; Fire Insurance; Seattle National Bank

Caption information source: <a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://web6.seattle.gov/DPD/HistoricalSite/QueryResult.aspx?ID=1155743838">https://web6.seattle.gov/DPD/HistoricalSite/QueryResult.aspx?ID=1155743838</a>
Caption information also derived from captions written by Post-Intelligencer staff and attached to the back of the photograph.</p>
<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Banks--Washington (State)--Seattle; Business districts--Washington (State)--Seattle</li></ul>
<div class="fn value">
Staff photographer, Seattle Post-Intelligencer</div>
Taken on 17 June 1920
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/search">Museum of History and Industry</a>