Mayor Murray and Councilmembers introduce legislation designating Seattle P-I Globe a City landmark
SEATTLE — Mayor Ed Murray, along with Councilmembers Tim Burgess, Jean Godden, and Sally Bagshaw, have introduced legislation to formally designate the Seattle P-I Globe a Seattle landmark. City Council’s approval of this ordinance will complete the process that began in 2012
The P-I Globe is one of our city’s prominent icons, a visible reminder of Seattle’s history,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “With this ordinance, the P-I Globe will continue to greet Seattle visitors and residents with its familiar motto, It’s in the P-I.
The P-I Globe was designated a landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Board in April of 2012 when it was nominated by three City Councilmembers ‘ Jean Godden, Tim Burgess and Sally Clark. Once it was designated, City staff worked with the Hearst Corporation, the Globe’s owner, to develop an agreement that specified the features to be preserved and clarified what changes would need review by the Landmarks Preservation Board. Once that agreement was completed in June, the legislative process could go forward.
“This legislation is a step forward in a long journey to preserve and honor a symbol of competitive journalism in Seattle,”” said Councilmember Jean Godden and former reporter for the Seattle P-I. We must continue to seek the right site for this iconic work of art.
“Following our designation of the P-I Globe, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board is delighted that the significant 1948 structure has become one of the city’s most visible and unique landmarks,” said Jeffrey Murdock, acting chair of the Board. “We look forward to being involved in the structure’s careful rehabilitation and eventual return to its role as a revolving, illuminated beacon for the City and the Sound.”
“I want to thank the members of the Landmarks Preservation Board for their thoughtful review, evaluation, and approval to designate the P-I Globe as a city landmark,” said Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Director Kathy Nyland. ‘Their expertise and careful assessment is important to the city’s Landmarks process, and the many decisions that come before them each year.”
The P-I Globe is a unique sign, designed and manufactured specifically to advertise the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. It’s been considered a Seattle icon since it was installed on the Post-Intelligencer building in 1948. The image of the Globe served as the logo for the newspaper, appearing on its masthead and on each section of the paper. The Globe was later moved to its present location on Elliott Avenue W. in 1986.