Brick buildings are really common in Seattle - why is this? (Vancouver: how much, houses)

[destroycreate]

For being a west coast city, I'm super surprised by how widespread brick is used here. I love it, it gives the city a lot of character, but it's pretty rare for this part of the country.

Other parts of WA and especially Vancouver BC don't have so much brick - most houses and buildings are wood.

Anybody else notice this?

[Hemlock140]

The way I heard it, the plentiful supply of logs for lumber meant all buildings being wood in the early days of Seattle. Then in 18899 the "great fire" destroyed the entire business district. When rebuilding, the covered the ruble and built about 20' above it, but turned to brick and stone for better fire safety. Unfortunately they are unreinforced brick and stone buildings (about 800), and do not do well in earthquakes. Most are in Pioneer Square, Chinatown International District, Columbia City, Capitol Hill, and Ballard, and many have been upgraded some but many suffered damage in the quake of 2001, which was not all that strong and the cost has prevented many from being retrofitted. New towers going in now or in the works will eliminate some more of them.

[destroycreate]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

The way I heard it, the plentiful supply of logs for lumber meant all buildings being wood in the early days of Seattle. Then in 18899 the "great fire" destroyed the entire business district. When rebuilding, the covered the ruble and built about 20' above it, but turned to brick and stone for better fire safety. Unfortunately they are unreinforced brick and stone buildings (about 800), and do not do well in earthquakes. Most are in Pioneer Square, Chinatown International District, Columbia City, Capitol Hill, and Ballard, and many have been upgraded some but many suffered damage in the quake of 2001, which was not all that strong and the cost has prevented many from being retrofitted. New towers going in now or in the works will eliminate some more of them.

I live in a big brick 4 story 1920s building on 12th street in Capitol Hill. Hopefully I won't be crushed in the next earthquake :/

[Gardyloo]

The vast majority of "brick" buildings in Seattle are wood-framed with brick facades, done purely for decorative effect.

I'm always struck at how much of Vancouver looks like the stucco machine exploded in 1960.

[destroycreate]

Originally Posted by Gardyloo

I'm always struck at how much of Vancouver looks like the stucco machine exploded in 1960.

Haha so true. I think Vancouver has a better overall urban fabric and layout, but architecture wise, it's pretty bad. Seattle has way more charm and personality aesthetically.