October 20, 1969, progress photograph on the construction of the new (National) Bank of Washington plaza at 12th & Pacific Ave. Heavy duty cranes are being employed to position rebar reinforcing columns for the walls of the new floors being built at the site. Once completed, the new bank building will be the tallest structure in Tacoma, passing its neighbor, the Puget Sound National Bank, by several stories. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland, general contractor for the project.
Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
May 1, 1969, progress photograph. A closer view of the laying of foundation for the new (National) Bank of Washington plaza at 12th & Pacific Ave. These chunks are actually concrete that are five feet thick and will form the footing of the new bank building. Donald M. Drake Co. of Portland was the general contractor of the massive $12 million dollar project that would take nearly two years to complete. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill were the architects. Photograph ordered by the Donald M. Drake Co., Portland.
Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
July 21, 1969, progress photograph of new (National) Bank of Washington plaza site at 12th & Pacific Ave. Work on this extensive project continued into the summer months of 1969; it would not be completed and dedicated until January of 1971. Workmen appear to be examining the rebar which will be used in conjunction with reinforced concrete. Photograph ordered by the Donald M. Drake Co., Portland, who were the general contractors.
Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Progress photograph of new construction. Architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill were responsible for the design of the forthcoming (National) Bank of Washington Plaza which would occupy a block of prime Pacific Avenue territory. The site was being prepared on March 12, 1969, when the above photograph was taken. Various cranes and dirt moving machinery were in use and mounds of debris and dirt were in the process of being removed. The bank building would be dedicated on January 9, 1971, nearly two years after ground was first broken. Donald M. Drake Co. was the contractor working with ABAM Engineers. Photograph ordered by the Donald M. Drake Co., Portland.
Progress photographs; Excavation--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Bank of Washington Plaza. Towering over its neighbors is the new Bank of Washington Plaza on 12th & Pacific in downtown Tacoma. The National Bank of Washington and Pacific National Bank had merged effective August 16, 1970. The bank's new name was the Pacific National Bank of Washington with headquarters in Seattle. The Tacoma headquarters would remain in the 24-story plaza tower shown above. Goodwin Chase, former Chrm. of the Board of (National) Bank of Washington, became the president of the consolidated bank. The highest tenant level of the Bank of Washington Plaza tower was actually the 22nd floor with air conditioning units and other service facilities on levels above. View of the Bank of Washington Plaza taken on February 23, 1971. Occupants peering through the nearly 2000 solar bronze windows would have sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Tacoma landscape. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 5-17-70, p. 1- article; TNT 8-17-70, p. 30 -article)
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Modern barber shop in the Bank of Washington Plaza. Portraits of four presidents overlook the customers of this modern barber shop in February of 1971. Walls are painted with bold stripes and checkered linoleum is found in the shop's work areas. A man reads a newspaper while he is waiting for his hair to be cut. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Barbershops--Tacoma; Barbers--Tacoma;
Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (center) smiles as he mingles with some of the 300 guests at the January 9, 1971, formal dedication of the Bank of Washington Plaza. Governor Dan Evans was also in attendance and helped to officially "open" the 24-story bank tower. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 1-10-71, A-1- article)
Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Evans, Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. The Clan Gordon Pipe Band was a staple in various parades in the local area; on January 9, 1971, they marched to a different venue, up the escalator in the 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza tower. The building was dedicated after nearly two years of construction. Founded in 1955 with help from the Clan Gordon Lodge of Scottish Clans, and first limited to Scottish males, the Clan Gordon Pipe Band is still active in the 21st century and successful in spreading enjoyment of Scottish music to Northwesterners. Color photograph ordered by the Pacific National Bank of Washington. (www.clangordonpipeband.org)
Clan Gordon Pipe Band; Bagpipes; Kilts; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma);
An unidentified couple is shown entering O'Brien's in April of 1971. The restaurant, located on the fountain level of the new Bank of Washington Plaza, opened on February 1, 1971. It was built in a semi-circle around the plaza's fountain and accessible by the curving staircase shown above and also through the bank tower. Photograph ordered by Ballard & Cannon, Inc.
O'Brien's Restaurant, operated by Jim O'Brien, opened in early 1971 in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue. Six of the restaurant's waitresses dressed in shimmering outfits and glossy shoes posed for a group portrait on January 29, 1971. At far left with her long hair pinned up is Carol Clark (now Yokes). The lady fourth from the right is Edreane Anderson, and the lady second from the right is her sister, Brynda Frazier, both graduates from Lincoln High School. According to a reader, owner Jim O'Brien had scouts out searching for the perfect women for his new restaurant. These six women were handpicked by him out of 200 applicants. Miss Clark had been waitressing at the Top of the Ocean when discovered. O'Brien's Restaurant was located below street level, accessible by a curving staircase and illuminated by the glow of a large fountain. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. Additional info provided by Ms. Frazier's daughter.
Progress photograph. Work continues on the site of the new (National) Bank of Washington Plaza at 12th & Pacific on May 1, 1969. Overhead view notes the deep excavation already accomplished and the start of laying of the concrete footing 62.5 feet square and 5 feet thick which will underlie the core of the new bank building. 18 inches of rock will cover the footing over which will be placed a slab for the service level of the bank. This immense project will take nearly two years to complete. Photograph ordered by the Donald M. Drake Co., Portland. (TNT 5-11-69, C-28)
Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
August 20, 1969, progress photograph of new (National) Bank of Washington plaza construction. The site at 12th & Pacific Ave. is rapidly undergoing change as forms and concrete pillars have been erected and the concrete footing appears to have been laid. The empty pits shown in the center of the photograph may have been for the placement of the bank's two elevators. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland, the $12 million dollar project's general contractor.
Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Progress photograph. Excavation work continues on the site chosen for the (National) Bank of Washington Plaza in the spring of 1969. Rhine Co. trucks were employed to carry away mounds of dirt as pictured above with a bulldozer further adding to the refuse. It would take nearly two years from the date of groundbreaking, February 13, 1969, for completion of the 22-story building. Total cost was approximately $12,000,000. Photograph ordered by Donald Drake Construction, Portland.
Progress photographs; Excavation--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bulldozers; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Progress photographs. By mid-June, 1970, the (National) Bank of Washington Plaza tower had shot up to at least 21 stories, bypassing Puget Sound National Bank as the tallest building in town. Designed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merill and utilizing 5 million pounds of reinforcing steel and 23,000 cubic yards of concrete, the tower would even have its own 350 kw emergency power generator. The law firm of Gordon, Honeywell, Malanca, Johnson & Peterson had already requested the top floor of the building for their offices. Bank administrative offices would occupy the first 12 floors with the Tacoma Main Banking Center on the mezzanine level. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland. (TNT 12-14-69, D-10 - article)
Progress photographs; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Progress photographs. The high-rise (National) Bank of Washington Plaza is on the road to completion by the end of September, 1970. Employees of Dunkin & Bush Painting are busy on scaffolds doing some exterior work. The building has been "topped" and work still continues on the massive water fountain. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland, the project's general contractors.
Progress photographs; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Progress photographs. Rear and side view of the upcoming and nearly finished (National) Bank of Washington Plaza in November of 1970. Built utilizing the modern corporate form, materials heavily used were steel, concrete and glass. With 22+ floors, the emphasis is on the vertical as this skyscraper bypassed Puget Sound National Bank as the tallest building in town. By the time bank staff moved into the tower in mid-December, 1970, the bank had merged with Pacific National Bank of Washington. Later the name of the plaza would change to First Interstate Plaza and finally, after First Interstate was acquired by Wells Fargo in 1996, the plaza's new owners, Unico Properties, Inc., would re-name the tower the Wells Fargo Plaza. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland. (seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/1998/03/02/focus7.html)
Progress photographs; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Progress photographs. An elevated view of the (National) Bank of Washington Plaza site at 1201-23 Pacific Ave. on June 22, 1970. Its neighbor, Puget Sound National Bank, is on the left corner. Large round pit will become the plaza's water fountain. The high-rise building is set back from busy Pacific Ave. by some 80 feet. The building had just been "topped" on June 12th with the hoisting of a living 15-foot Douglas fir onto the roof. This traditional ceremony signified structural completion of the now 24-story bank building. The tree would later be given to the Tacoma School District for planting on the site of the new Henry Foss High School. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland. (TNT 6-14-70, p. 1, B-9)
Progress photographs; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);
Air conditioning duct work. An unidentified young worker in hard hat stands with his arms akimbo in front of the large air conditioning ducts at the newly completed Bank of Washington Plaza, 1201-23 Pacific Ave., on November 12, 1970. The air conditioning apparatus may have been placed on the building's 23rd floor. Photograph ordered by R.L. Purits Sheet Metal, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Air conditioners--Tacoma; Air conditioning industry--Tacoma;
Unidentified executive enjoying view of the Tacoma tideflats from his office in the new Bank of Washington Plaza on February 23, 1971. His desk is placed next to one of the many bronze windows of the 24-story tower. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma--1970-1980;
O'Brien's Restaurant. O'Brien's Restaurant is crowded on February 23, 1971, as people enjoy fine dining in the oak-paneled and red brocade room . The ceiling is covered with small light bulbs, creating an image of a star-filled sky. In addition, the restaurant was illuminated at night from the glow of the courtyard and fountain directly outside. O'Brien's was located below street level in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex. There was room for 125 diners and the adjacent bar held 92 customers. Dave Porter, singer-guitarist, was appearing in the restaurant's lounge at this time. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 11-1-70, A-16 - Emily Walker's column)
The newly selected Ms. Downtown Tacoma, Donna McNamara, receives a buss on the cheek from Stan Naccarato, master of ceremonies for the June 24, 1974, event held at O'Briens Restaurant. Representing the Bank of California, she is carrying a bouquet of long stemmed red roses. Ms. McNamara, 23, is a loan processor in the real estate department of Bank of California. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woody Harter and married to Frederick McNamara. A graduate of Lincoln High School, she had danced with the Tacoma Civic Ballet and Ballet Tacoma. Ms. McNamara was chosen from nine other young women representing downtown Tacoma businesses. She would be making many public appearances at parades, ribbon cuttings, and grand openings during the next year. (TNT 6-17-74, B-2 article on contestants; TNT 6-25-74, A-14-article on Ms. McNamara)
Informal portrait of L.T. Murray, Jr. Lowell Thomas Murray, Jr., was photographed in his office in July of 1978. He was the president of the Murray Pacific Corporation, encompassing the West Fork Timber Co., Pan Pacific Trading Co. and Pan Pacific International Corporation. His father, Lowell T. Murray, Sr., had founded West Fork Timber. It is not clear whether the man in the enlarged photograph near Mr. Murray was Mr. Murray Sr. or himself. The family had long been established in Lakewood where the elder Murrays had an extensive estate. "Tom" Murray was born in Tacoma on January 2, 1926. He attended the Taft School in Watertown, Conn., and graduated from Yale University in 1946. He had actual logging experience as a gandy dancer and chokerman for St. Regis Paper Co., worked on a high lead side for Ladd Logging and set dogs for Buffelen Lumber's sawmill. He continued his education at the University of Washington and obtained a Masters degree in forestry. He became executive vice-president of West Fork Timber Co. in 1954, and later assumed the presidency of the corporation. Photograph ordered by Murray Pacific Corporation. (Caterpillar Tractor Co.: Men of Timber, p. 77)
Bank of Washington Plaza Building. The staff and management of Pacific National Bank of Washington stand before the brand new 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza tower in late December of 1970. Although the building would not be formally dedicated until January 9, 1971, staff had already moved into their new home. The Pacific National Bank of Washington was created in 1970 with the merger of Tacoma's National Bank of Washington, who had begun construction of the plaza, and Seattle's Pacific National Bank. This photograph was used for a full page ad in the News Tribune on January 7, 1971, inviting one and all to attend the official dedication of the new skyscraper in two days. The address listed for the plaza was One Washington Plaza. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT ad 1-7-71, D-1)
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Doing some exterior touch-up work high above street level are employees of Dunkin & Bush Painting, Inc. of Seattle. The men are working on scaffolding attached to the multi-storied Pacific National Bank of Washington building which had opened for business a few short months before. The workers are more than three-fourths the way up the 22+ story structure. Color photograph ordered by Dunkin & Bush Painting, Inc., industrial contractors.
Painting--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scaffolding--Tacoma; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Bank of Washington Plaza with no visible exterior signage. Sunlight reflects off the multitude of bronze windows in the new Bank of Washington Plaza at 12th & Pacific. An unusual part of the building complex is the large fountain accessible by curving stairs beneath the level of the actual tower. Seven trees are planted in the concrete surrounding the fountain space. The 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza was dedicated on January 9, 1971.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Cameras flashed and the crowd peered in as Governor Dan Evans (center in dark suit) and Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (in brown suit) jointly officiated in the formal dedication of the Bank of Washington Plaza on January 9, 1971. The 24-story building was the first major highrise constructed in downtown Tacoma in 40 years. Nearly 400 employees of the merged staff of National Bank of Washington and Pacific National Bank (now called Pacific National Bank of Washington) had already moved into the tower in mid-December. Formal dedication ceremonies were postponed until January 9th to allow for completion of construction and removal of debris. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 12-13-70, p. 1- article; TNT 1-10-71, A-1 - article)
Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Banks--Tacoma; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Evans, Daniel J., 1925-; Governors; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scissors & shears;
