Town Square

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. With a focus on 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.