In 1909 Seattle hosted its first World's Fair on the University of Washington campus - the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYP). The AYP attracted more than 3.5 million visitors from around the world, giving Seattle much-needed prominence and attention as a leader in Pacific trade. The layout of the Exposition and its buildings were partly funded by the state legislature, so that they could later be used by the University. Designed by Charles Bebb and Louis Mendel, the Washington State building housed the social functions of the fair and included reception and banquet halls, offices of the commission and restrooms. It was one of the seven buildings intended to be used as a permanent campus structure and housed the University of Washington Library into the 1920s, but was eventually torn down when it fell into disrepair.
Architecture of the Pacific Northwest Collection
