The Rainier Heat & 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 & Power Co. maintained a heating plant and developed buildings in Seattle's Chinatown - International District. Rainier Heat & Power Co. is listed in city directories from 1912 through 1981.
This building, located on the northeast corner of South Jackson Street and 6th Avenue South, still stands in the Chinatown - International District. The top of the Smith Tower can be seen behind the building. The Rainier Heat & 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.
Businesses in image: The Grand Dancing; Alaska Grill; Man Shin Low Cafe; Chop Suey Noodles; Oriental Optical Co.
ID Number: Lib1990.21.2
Date: Circa 1925
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on paper : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv63552
Credit: MOHAI, Rainier Heat & Power Co. International District Photograph Album, Lib1990.21.2
