ABSTRACT
North American waterfronts have not been known for their wonderful architecture. Until the last 10 years, they have been either grungy, even derelict, industrial areas or places lined with T-shirt shops and trinket-selling enterprises aimed mainly at the tourist trade. The Port of Seattle has been completing an ambitious plan to connect the waterfront to the uplands, to introduce fine public buildings, and to infuse the area with new housing and hotels. The south facade is taut and flush, broken only slightly by bracketed over-hangs that provide shade for long rows of punched windows. The east face thrusts itself upon the street with a combination of dignity and whimsy. The north facade reveals the original concrete columns supporting the massive structure with indentations that produce an industrial looking bay window.
