It’s possible that “The Corner Market” building at 1st Ave and Pike Street has been photographed more than most Seattle landmarks and while it is a respectable place now that wasn’t always the case. Built in 1912 it featured open storefronts along the 1st floor perimeter while the interior featured other food specialty businesses including the Pacific Poultry Company on the 2nd floor. At that time it was an altogether decent place to conduct business, do your shopping and to see and be seen.
The Corner Market went into a steep decline during the ‘60’s just as I was coming into the labor market with only 20% of the space was being utilized. Heck, all of 1st Ave was pretty seedy and quite sporty then and I chose the Corner Market for my first job that didn’t involve newspapers or lawnmowers. The open storefronts along 1st Ave had been closed in to house the “Modern Barber College” (nationally accredited), “The Taco House” (specializing in fish and chips) and “The Mint Restaurant and Dollar Room” where I first started my long climb to retirement.