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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• URG founder lays out future for office, affordable housing in Seattle.

• Upcoming Seattle Mariners match

• A deep-dive into the life of Minoru Yamasaki

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” 

— Vincent Van Gogh

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What annual Seattle event celebrates the start of the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, star lighting on Macy's, and a fireworks show (weather permitting)?

A) The Seafair Festival

B) The Seattle International Film Festival

C) The Westlake Center Holiday Celebration

D) The Pike Place Market Magic in the Market

Answer to Week 34's Trivia:

Seattle's Freeway Park, known for integrating nature with urban infrastructure, is notable for being the first park of its kind in the United States to be built A) Over a highway.

News

💼 Business

Ste. Michelle sheds light on big changes planned for Woodinville property. (Link)

Company with Seattle office sheds employees after acquiring competitor. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Revisiting blockbuster trade that sent Mariners’ Edwin Diaz, Robinson Cano to Mets in 2018. (Link)

Two WA swimmers help U.S. win silver in artistic swimming. (Link)

🏦 Finance

URG founder lays out future for office, affordable housing in Seattle. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ 2024 San Francisco Giants at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Fri, Aug 23rd - Sun, Aug 25th | (More info)

⚽ 2024 North Carolina Courage at Seattle Reign FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Sunday, Aug 25th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 2024 JPEGMAFIA
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA, US
Thursday, Aug 15th | (More info)

🎵 2024 Peso Pluma
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA, US
Friday, Aug 16th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

💕 Backpacks for Kids Summer Bash
2801 SW Thistle St, Seattle
Friday, August 16th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Seattle with a transportation system based on personal drones” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

Creation of Starbucks (1971) - The opening of the first Starbucks coffee shop in Pike Place Market.

In 1971, the first Starbucks coffee shop opened its doors in the historic Pike Place Market in Seattle, marking the inception of a brand that would grow to become synonymous with coffee across the globe. Founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, the establishment initially had a singular focus: to sell high-quality coffee beans and equipment. Unlike the Starbucks of today, the original store did not sell brewed coffee but was dedicated to providing customers with the finest, freshly roasted beans, alongside an assortment of coffee accessories including grinders and filters.

The choice of location, Pike Place Market, was strategic. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and as a hub for fresh, artisanal produce, Pike Place offered the fledgling Starbucks a steady stream of foot traffic and exposure to a clientele that appreciated top-notch quality and was willing to pay a premium for it. This aligns with Starbucks' commitment to quality from the onset, a principle that has underpinned the brand's philosophy and expansion strategy over the years. The founders' passion for coffee was also evident in their choices; they named the store after Starbuck, a character in Herman Melville’s classic, Moby-Dick, symbolizing the adventure and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders.

As Starbucks established itself in Seattle’s coffee scene, it steadily began to transform the coffee consumption culture in the United States. The original vision of the founders expanded beyond selling beans and equipment to creating a unique coffee experience, eventually leading to the serving of brewed coffee. This shift not only marked the beginning of Starbucks' journey towards becoming a global coffee behemoth but also played a significant role in popularizing high-quality, specialty coffee drinks among American consumers. The opening of the first Starbucks at Pike Place Market was not just the start of a business; it was the birth of a coffee empire that would redefine how the world drinks coffee.

Famous People From Seattle

Minoru Yamasaki (1912–1986) - Architect of the World Trade Center, began his career in Seattle, shaping its architectural landscape.

Minoru Yamasaki, a name synonymous with innovative architecture, left an indelible mark on the world through his work, most notably as the architect of the iconic World Trade Center in New York City. His journey from Seattle to the global stage is a story of ambition, creativity, and resilience.

Early Years and Education (1912-1934)

Born in Seattle to Japanese immigrant parents, Minoru Yamasaki grew up in a world where opportunities were scarce for Asian Americans. Despite these challenges, his talent and passion for architecture were evident from a young age. He pursued his dreams at the University of Washington, where he began to shape his vision of creating buildings that blend functionality with humanistic elements.

Formation of an Architect (1934-1945)

Following his graduation during the Great Depression, Yamasaki moved to New York City to seek opportunities, working for renowned architecture firms like Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the designers of the Empire State Building. These formative years were crucial, as they exposed him to large-scale projects and the dynamics of urban architecture, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

Emerging Talent in Seattle (1945-1955)

After World War II, Yamasaki returned to Seattle, a city on the cusp of architectural transformation. Here, he began to make his mark, contributing to the post-war building boom with designs that emphasized light, texture, and the interaction between space and the human experience. His work during this period highlighted his ability to merge modernist principles with a deep respect for traditional and natural elements.

Rise to Prominence (1955-1963)

Yamasaki's unique approach caught the attention of the wider architectural community, leading him to establish his own firm, Yamasaki & Associates. Through projects like the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and the McGregor Memorial Conference Community Center, he refined his style. His designs featured elements that would become hallmarks of his work: slender columns, dramatic lighting, and spaces intended to uplift the human spirit.

Visionary of the World Trade Center (1963-1973)

The commission to design the World Trade Center towers was a defining moment in Yamasaki's career. His vision was to create not just the tallest buildings in the world but a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity. The project's completion in 1973 was a testament to his philosophy of 'humanistic architecture,' blending innovative design with aspects intended to enhance well-being and community.

Influences and Innovations (Throughout Career)

Yamasaki's work was influenced by his travels and study of different cultures. He incorporated elements of Japanese architecture, like the use of light and gardens, into his designs. This global perspective, combined with his commitment to creating spaces that inspire and serve the needs of people, set him apart and pushed the boundaries of modernist architecture.

Champion of a Humanistic Approach (1970s-1980s)

In the latter part of his career, Yamasaki continued to advocate for an architecture that prioritizes human needs and experiences. His buildings, including the Rainier Tower in Seattle and the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, Virginia, reflect this ongoing commitment. Through his writings and lectures, he sought to influence a generation of architects to consider the broader impacts of their designs.

Legacy and Loss (1980s-present)

Minoru Yamasaki passed away in 1986, leaving behind a legacy that spans the globe. While some of his buildings, including the World Trade Center towers, have been lost to history, his influence on architecture endures. His commitment to creating spaces that inspire, comfort, and elevate the human experience continues to resonate in the field of architecture and beyond.

Seattle’s Architectural Reformer (Throughout Career)

Yamasaki's connection to Seattle shaped both his early years and his professional legacy. His work in the city, including several notable buildings and projects, contributed to its architectural identity. Seattle's dynamic skyline and its blend of natural beauty with innovative design reflect Yamasaki's vision and his influence on the city's visual and cultural landscape.

Remembering Minoru Yamasaki (1986 and Beyond)

Yamasaki's death marked the end of a remarkable career, but his vision and buildings live on. As an architect who sought to harmonize the needs of people with the possibilities of space and form, he redefined the parameters of modern architecture. His philosophy of creating spaces that nurture human values and his role in shaping skylines around the world remain a significant part of his enduring legacy.

Key Achievements of Minoru Yamasaki:

• Architect of the iconic World Trade Center in New York City.

• Founder of Yamasaki & Associates, influencing global architectural practices.

• Pioneer of humanistic architecture, emphasizing light, space, and human experience.

• Contributed significantly to Seattle's architectural landscape, shaping its modern identity.

• Received numerous awards and honors, recognizing his impact on modern architecture.

Minoru Yamasaki's biography tells the story of a man who saw architecture not just as a profession but as a means to enhance human experience and interactions. From his early days in Seattle to the global recognition of his work, Yamasaki remained committed to a vision of building spaces that bring people together, uplift the human spirit, and stand as symbols of hope and resilience. His legacy is not only etched into the skylines he transformed but also in the philosophy that continues to inspire architects and designers around the world.

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-Matthew Larsen

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