Pike Place Market
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The Pike Place Market, which opened for business on August 17, 1907, is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in downtown Seattle, Washington, USA. Occupying over 9 acres (36,000 m²) bounded by First Avenue to the northeast, Western Avenue to the southwest, Virginia Street to the northwest, and, to the southeast, a line drawn from First to Western Avenues halfway between Pike and Union Streets, it is a popular tourist destination.
One of its attractions is Pike Place Fish, where employees throw fish to each other rather than passing them by hand. (The "flying fish" are so famous that they appeared in an episode of the television sitcom Frasier that was shot on location in Seattle, and have been featured on The Learning Channel.)
Starbucks' first store has operated directly across Pike Place from the market since 1971.
In 1963, a proposal was floated to demolish the market and replace it with Pike Plaza, which would include a hotel, an apartment building, four office buildings, a hockey arena, and a parking garage. This was supported by the mayor, many on the city council, and a number of market property owners. However, there was significant community opposition, and an initiative was passed on November 2, 1971 that created a historical preservation zone. The Pike Place Market Public Development Authority was created and the market buildings were brought into public ownership.
Victor Steinbrueck Park, just northwest of the market, was named in 1985 after the architect who was instrumental in the market's preservation.
