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Domestic Engineering, a Chicago-based publication catering to plumbing and heating contractors, noted in its 03/29/1919 issue: "Powers & Melhorn, Seattle, have commissioned Architect E.W. Houghton, Lumber Exchange Building, to prepare plans for alterations and remodeling of three floors of the Union Block, 711 First Avenue, for hotel quarters. An entirely new plumbing system will be installed, and important changes made in the heating system." (See "Among the Plumbing and Heating Contractors: Washington," Domestic Engineering, 86:13, 03/29/1919, p. 585.)

The Union Block appeared on the "Birds-eye-view of Seattle and environs King County, Wash., 1891." drawn by Augustus Koch, and printed by the Hughes Lithography Company. It depicted the City of Seattle 18 months following the Great Seattle Fire of 06/06/1889. In 1905, it stood between the Washington Building on the south and a department store to the north. The Union Block had three storefront addresses at 711, 713 and 715 1st Avenue. The Electric Vapor Baths, a Turkish bath and Swedish massage parlor, operated in Room #21 in the Union Block in 01/1900.

PCAD id: 16174