Overview

This store in the Praeger's Clothing chain opened at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, WA, in 1968, and was designed by the Los Angeles architectural firm of Burke, Kober, Nicolais and Archuleta, Architects.

Building History

The Praeger's Southcenter store had a budget of approximately $250,000 and opened on 07/31/1968 at the Tukwila mall. Burke, Kober, Nicolais and Archuleta, Architects. worked with the Portland firm of Teeples and Thatcher, the general contractor. An article in the Seattle Times announcing the store's imminent opening stated: "The store will be the first branch for Praeger's and a women's department will be included. The outlet also will be the 100th for Botany Industries of New York, of which Praeger's is a subsidiary." (See "Men's Store Plans Opening," Seattle Times, 06/16/1968, p. C5.)

Ben Lerner was set to manage the 7.500-square-foot store at its opening.

Building Notes

The Seattle Times article of 06/16/1968 described the store's appearance: "To be at he southwest corner of the mall, the store will have an exterior finish of chocolate-colored brick. Lava stone slate is to provide a highlight on interior walls which will aslo be painted orange, olive green, white golds and yellow. Orange carpeting and distress [sic] finish wood fixtures will be used. The vaulted ceiling will have hanging cathedral lamps designed by Raymond E. Enkeboll. The airconditioned store will have its own tailor shop. Karen Winther will manage the women's department. Others will be men's furnishings, hats, shoes, formal wear, sportswear and suits." (See "Men's Store Plans Opening," Seattle Times, 06/16/1968, p. C5.)

PCAD id: 24165