A Dash of History

Underneath my site of study, there once lay the corner of a lake. Disconnected from the bay by a small stretch of land, this lake was filled in with sediment before construction of the city began. The buildings that have become these shops were once located 94.5 feet from the coast of actual bay. That was in 1881, these days the coastline is creeping back over land because of rising sea levels, threatening buildings that have been there since 1918. With the water level rising these historic lakes are filling up again causing the concrete to slowly sink. Even a creek ran through what is now the alleyways that divide the block into 4 sections, now slowly taking its toll under the concrete. Each of these buildings has a history. The Olympia Glass Co. and the Last Word Bookstore building was used as a Chevy dealership in the 1950’s, while now providing a place for these younger shops. The Last Word bookstore is only 14 years old. Some friendly people inside told me they believe Spanish Colonial Architecture was used in the design of this building, and that there are several more similar to it on Capitol Way. These buildings are too old to be moved but still represent a significant part of the city’s history. What will people do? Will they watch their history be washed away and focus on the future or will they try to save the remnants of our past that helped shape us into what we are?

Soon-To-Be-Coastline