The 619 Western building was designed in 1910.
It is a utilitarian building of a design similar to its neighbor, the Polson
Building. Not surprisingly, it too was designed as a warehouse building.
While a simple utilitarian building, it has much in common with other
more ornate warehouse buildings erected in the same period. It stands
out somewhat because of its original multi-light windows above the
storefront level, which are definitely original. These impart a pleasing
rhythm, especially on the Western Avenue facade. The building is
significant because it dates from the period of economic and industrial
growth as well as the expansion of the original heart of Seattle along
the former tideflats. Like its neighbor, its construction is in reinforced
concrete, indicating a shift in construction knowledge and techniques,
since many warehouse buildings from just a few years before still had
brick exterior walls and heavy timber interiors. There does not seem to
be an architect of record, but given the similarity with the Polson Building
and the fact that it was also designed in 1910, it is very possible that it
too was designed by Saunders and Lawton, a notable Seattle
architecture firm.

600 block between Western Ave. and Railroad Ave., Seattle
Photographed 1917
Photographer Calvin F. Todd, 
Signs in image include: Grand Union Tea Co. Importers & Manufacturers.
Hotel - Restaurant & Marine Work. Coffee Roasters. Warehouse of 
Sunde & d'Evers Co., Store & Office Colman Dock, Manufacturers of Tents 
- Paulins - Canvas - All Widths; Ship Chandlers, Ship Riggers, Ship Stores, 
Sail Makers, Fishermen's Supplies. Soaps, Baking Powder, Implements.
O'Callahan Graham Co., Wholesale Merchandise Brokers. 604, 
T.F. Clark Co. Inc. Power Machine Wks. 
Pioneer Service Station, S.M. Anderson Prop., Coal Oil. Fisher's Rolled Oats, 
Pancake Flour. English & Co. Inc., Wholesale Grocers. Grand Union Tea Co. 
Independent Packing. Gold Bar Canned Fruits & Vegetables.
Pacific Pneumatic Tool Company, 4th Floor Entrance on Western Ave.

Railroad Avenue looking north, Seattle,  1921
Photographer, Webster & Stevens
Good railroad service was vital to growth of Seattle as a seaport.
Eight tracks were built in a 120-foot right-of-way along the waterfront. 
This made it easier to transfer freight between the railroad cars 
and waiting ships. Railroad Avenue is now called Alaskan Way.
Signs in image: Pier 1 - Northern Pacific Railway Co. 
Canadian Pacific Steamship Co. Canadian Pacific Princess Line. 
Alaska Steamship Co. Fishers Rolled Oats - "Blends Mah Friend" - 
Pancake Flour. Northwest Envelope, Gasoline & Oils.