This event is sold out. There will be a standby line at the door. Seattle is booming. In 2013 it was the country’s fastest growing city, and today it has the most tower cranes of any city. But this is not Seattle’s first boom; in 1890 the population doubled. Bob Ortblad, a Seattle native, civil engineer, and history enthusiast, presents the story of how Seattle was built and how it has changed over the years. Come meet the self-taught engineers, dedicated public servants, aggressive land developers, and gifted visionaries who made our city what it is. With a focus on a one hundred year period from 1853 to 1953, Ortblad will discuss the implementation of our city’s water, sewer, power, and transit systems and provide details about the notable buildings that were constructed or changed during that time. He will also imagine what might have been if different decisions had been made.

Presented by: Town Hall as a part of our Civics series.
Series supported by:

True Brown Foundation

Series media sponsorship provided by: