LF visits Seattle Day 1

 Little Fox here, your favorite globe-trotting fluffball, checking in! When Purple Rabbit and Choya dashed off to Seattle without me, I couldn’t let them have all the fun. So I packed my tiny bag, fluffed my tail, and headed north to see what all the excitement was about.

That’s a pretty awesome manhole cover — it even has a full map of Seattle worked into the design. It’s the kind of little detail you could walk past a hundred times and never notice, but once you do, it feels like a tiny piece of city art hiding in plain sight.  Do you think one could use a compass to navigate with this map? 

Besides the usual sights (Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Ferries) the roommates went to the library and picked up an awesome walking tour book and mother nature sure cooperated (yes, this was Nov 8 and it was 55 degrees and sunny).

The specific walk was called "Whose watching you" and in the world of Amazon and Microsoft that is very ominous.  However, this walk was all about the terra cotta decor on buildings in the downtown area.  

First stop; The Arctic Club, I felt like I’d stumbled into a storybook for explorers. Back in 1907, this was the hangout spot for folks who’d braved the Klondike Gold Rush — a place where adventurers swapped tales and celebrated their northern escapades. And the best part? The building is decorated with big, proud terra cotta walruses peeking out from the walls, like they’re still guarding the spirit of exploration… and keeping an eye on curious little travelers like me.

Wait, is that the tower?  Oh yes, that’s the Smith Tower peeking out — it’s hard to miss with its classic pyramid top. It opened in 1914 and was once the tallest building on the West Coast, giving Seattle its first real skyscraper swagger.

When I trotted up to the Union Stables building, I spotted a majestic terra cotta horse perched above the entrance, looking like it was still keeping watch over the old carriage house. It felt like the kind of guardian you’d want on your team if you were hauling wagons through early Seattle. Standing underneath it, I couldn’t help imagining what stories that proud horse has seen over the years… and wishing it could share a few with a curious fox like me.

Well, time to head back to the Air B and B and while on our way saw this sunset.  What a perfect way to end this day.

Choya's Art Deco Entry.

As you may or may not know, I’m in Seattle on a mission: hunting for the perfect Art Deco building. So far, I’ve wandered past the Exchange Building, admired the restrained elegance of the Roosevelt Hotel, and marveled at the soaring Seattle Tower. All three are impressive in their own right, but I’m looking for something that will really make Team Sandy sit up and take notice.

After hours of walking, notebook full of sketches and observations, I think I’ve finally found it. The one that captures everything—height, presence, and that unmistakable Deco flair. It’s bold but balanced, detailed but not overdone, and utterly unique.

I linger in front of it, letting the city hum around me, imagining how it will look in Sandy’s contest. The angles, the curves, the story embedded in every stone—it all feels just right. At last, the hunt feels worth it. This is the building that might just steal the show.

Next up on my Seattle Art Deco hunt, I think I’ve finally stumbled upon something extraordinary: the Federal Office Building. Standing at 909 First Avenue in Pioneer Square, it’s impossible to miss—tall, striking, and uniquely commanding. From the moment I saw its stepped façade rising into the sky, I felt like I was in the presence of a building that truly tells a story.

My picture.

Professional picture: 

Completed between 1931 and 1933, this was one of Seattle’s earliest federal buildings in the Art Deco style, designed under James A. Wetmore. It was built during a time when the city was still recovering from the Great Depression, yet it stands with quiet confidence, a testament to ambition and resilience.

Its exterior is a study in thoughtful detail. The central tower rises eleven stories, crowned by a ziggurat top and a flagpole, while the outer portions step up from six to nine stories. The materials are striking—smooth terracotta at the base, light red brick above, and aluminum spandrel panels between the windows, one of the earliest uses of aluminum on a West Coast building. Stylized geometric motifs decorate the façade, from ram and lion heads to a stately eagle above the entrance. It’s Art Deco without being ostentatious, bold but disciplined.

The site itself is steeped in history: it’s said to be where Seattle’s founders first landed after surveying the Puget Sound in 1851. It’s also the block that sparked the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which leveled the commercial district. And yet, out of that history, the Federal Office Building rose—a symbol of permanence and progress.

Standing in front of it now, notebook open, I can feel why this might be the one for Team Sandy. Tall, circular in corners, unique, and unapologetically Deco, it has both gravitas and grace. After wandering Seattle for days—peering at the Exchange, the Roosevelt Hotel, and the Seattle Tower—I can finally say it: this building feels like the perfect choice.

Choya's Art Deco visit to Seattle

Hiya Gang, Choya here. I’m on vacation in Seattle, and I’ve fortified myself with a fresh cup of coffee—apparently the thing to do.  It's strong enough to stand on its own but smooth enough to sip slowly.

I’m on vacation in Seattle—or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. But there’s a purpose tucked between the coffee breaks and ferry rides: I’m here to find a building for Sandy’s Art Deco contest.

I found a building today—tall, circular, and undeniably unique. It stood against the gray Seattle sky like a monument to someone’s bold imagination. Not Art Deco, unfortunately—no zigzags, no chrome flourishes—but fascinating all the same. Its rounded form seemed to defy the boxy rhythm of the city around it, as if it had decided long ago to stand apart and never apologize for it.

First up on my list: the Exchange Building, Seattle’s first commodities exchange—and one of the city’s most impressive examples of Art Deco architecture. Rising twenty-three stories above downtown, it’s a tall, circular-cornered structure that seems to hold both elegance and grit in its limestone skin.

Built in 1930, right as the Great Depression was beginning, the Exchange Building was meant to be a symbol of optimism and modernity—a hub for trading goods like wheat, lumber, and other resources that built the Pacific Northwest. The irony, of course, is that by the time it opened, the economy had collapsed and the exchange it was meant to house never really took off. But the building endured, adapting to new uses and new tenants as the decades rolled on.

Next up on my Seattle architecture hunt: the Seattle Tower—originally known as the Northern Life Tower. I came here with my notebook and a sense of purpose, curious to see if this could be the building for Sandy’s Art Deco contest.

Its brick façade shifting in tone from deep earthy browns at the base to pale, cloud-colored shades near the top. There are thirty-three shades of brick in total, arranged to make the structure look like it’s growing straight out of the ground.

The lobby looks amazing.

Completed in 1929, just as the Great Depression was beginning, it was Seattle’s first true Art Deco skyscraper.

Next up on my Seattle Art Deco hunt: the Roosevelt Hotel. Yes, it’s Art Deco, but unlike the Exchange Building or Seattle Tower, it doesn’t try to dazzle with ornamentation. It’s subtle, restrained, and elegant, more about clean lines and confident geometry than flashy details.

Built in 1929, around the same time as the city’s other Deco landmarks, the Roosevelt was designed to serve travelers with comfort and style. Its façade is straightforward, with modest decorative elements—linear patterns, stepped setbacks, and a simple vertical emphasis that gives it presence without demanding attention.

I walked around the corner, studying the angles of the roofline and the gentle reliefs near the entrance. It’s a building that feels practical, yet carefully considered. Its charm isn’t in extravagance; it’s in proportion, balance, and that quiet Art Deco flair that whispers sophistication rather than shouting it.

The lobby is very cool, trying to keep that Art Deco vibe.

For Sandy’s contest, it might not be the showiest pick, but there’s something appealing about its understatement. Sometimes Deco doesn’t need to sparkle—it just needs to stand tall and confident, and the Roosevelt does exactly that.

Art Deco Entry - Purple Rabbit

 Hiya gang!  It’s me, Purple Rabbit! I’m out exploring town today — soaking in the sights and sniffing out adventure. As you probably know, I started life as a humble dog toy (a very squeaky one, thank you very much), but I’ve got bigger dreams now! I want to be a proper travelling stuffy, just like my pals Little Fox, Sandy, Jerry, and Ben et. al. They’ve seen the world, and I’m ready to hop right alongside them on all sorts of adventures!

I’m out walking about this evening, and wow — the ferry looks absolutely amazing all lit up against the water. The lights shimmer like stars on the waves! I told the roommate we should hop on for a quick ride, but of course he said it’s too late and we’d miss dinner.  What he don’t seem to realize is that there are restaurants for humans and stuffys on both sides of the ferry terminal! I’m sure I could find a cozy spot with carrot cake or maybe a mug of hot cocoa just my size. Honestly, sometimes you have to be the one with imagination in this partnership.

 On my way home, I came across this wonderful old theater — the Edmonds Theater. Its glowing marquee caught my eye from down the street, all classic lines and gentle curves, pure Art Deco magic!

Did you know this place first flickered to life in 1923? That’s just a few hops after Hollywood itself started shining bright. Back then, it was called the Princess Theatre, and not only did it show movies — it hosted vaudeville shows! There’s still a 35-by-20-foot stage tucked right behind the screen, hidden away like a secret from another time.

So, about that theater I mentioned — the Edmonds Theater? Well… frankly, I don’t really see the Art Deco style everyone talks about.

Don’t get me wrong — it’s charming, with that old-timey marquee and cozy small-town glow, but it feels more like classic 1930s Main Street than sleek Deco elegance. I was expecting bold geometric patterns, chrome accents, maybe a few zigzags or sunbursts — you know, that whole “Gatsby meets the movies” vibe!

Still, it’s got heart. The kind of place where popcorn smells better, tickets are real paper, and the screen seems to hum with history. Maybe not Art Deco, but definitely authentic. Sometimes, even if a place isn’t what you expect, it’s still worth a pause and a quiet little “wow.” 🎞️🐰✨

Now if I can get into the lobby....maybe that's where the art deco magic happens.....sadly the lobby was closed but I did find this picture online.  Kind of art deco-ish.  What do you think?

Purple Rabbit on Vacation

Hiya Purple Rabbit here.   🐰💜 I've received a  big promotion from chew toy to full-fledged house stuffy — that’s a major career leap in the stuffy world.  

Today marks the day that I, Purple Rabbit, have officially joined the ranks of the traveling companions.

My expedition team: Choya and Grinnel — veteran adventurers with refined taste and a good sense of direction (both essential qualities, I’ve learned). We prepared for my adventure the night before.  Don't worry, one bottle of wine for 3 stuffies is nothing to worry about.

I’m Purple Rabbit: once a chew toy, now a traveler. And today, the world feels wide open and wonderfully soft.

 Check it out, me using the elevator - how sophisticated.

What a world outside?  The restaurants are closed up but I'm hopeful they will open for me. It's rainy but I can sit outside, I am a former chew toy you know. 

The Puget Sound is so pretty. This park is not open to dogs but a huge underwater park a virtual playground for scuba divers.

Do you see the Olympic Mountains in the background? 

This morning I tried my very first iced coffee. Well — the roommate ordered it, but I got to hold the cup for a photo, which I think makes me an official participant. The ice tinkled like wind chimes, and the coffee smelled bold and a little mysterious — the kind of scent that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

Behind us, a Washington State  ferry drifted past — bright white and stately against the bluish sky. My roommate pointed and said that if the schedule works, we might hop on later as walk-on passengers. Imagine that: me, Purple Rabbit, who once lived on the floor under a dog bed, now possibly boarding a boat.

The marina feels like a pocket of calm carved out of the world — sunlight glinting off the water, masts swaying gently like tall, lazy metronomes keeping time with the breeze. I’ve never seen so many boats in one place.

The roomate told me each boat has its own story — where it’s been, who’s laughed on its deck, what storms it’s seen. I wonder if boats talk to each other when everyone’s gone. Maybe they compare sunsets or trade secrets about the tides.

It’s the kind of fall day that feels like a reward for making it through summer. The air is crisp but kind, carrying the faint scent of salt and cedar. The leaves near the dock have started to blush gold and copper, drifting down in slow spirals that land on the still water and float away toward the sound.

It's a good day to be a stuffy on the move and frankly who knew the world was such a big place. 

Tower Bridge - Sacremento, CA honorable Art Deco mention

Hiya Gang,

My official entry is the Tower Hotel in South Beach Florida, however I wanted to see the Tower Bridge in Sacremento. The Tower Bridge was completed in 1935, is a striking vertical lift bridge that spans the Sacramento River, connecting Sacramento to West Sacramento.

It was built during the Great Depression as part of a federal public works program and replaced an older swing bridge to improve river traffic and transportation. Designed in the Streamline Moderne branch of Art Deco, the bridge features clean lines, bold geometric shapes, and a distinctive golden-yellow color, making it both a functional structure and a local icon. 

Today, it stands as a historic landmark and a symbol of Sacramento’s growth and resilience.

On my journey to Sacremento I was lucky enough to explore the Sacremento Valley Station (its where my light rail dropped me off).   While not Art Deco, still darn cool.

The Sacramento Valley Station, opened in 1926, was a major hub for the Southern Pacific Railroad and played a key role in connecting Northern California to the rest of the country. 🛤️ With its grand architecture and long rail history, it's now the oldest remaining train station west of the Mississippi still serving passengers today (yes light rail and Amtrak).

While trotting through the Sacramento Valley Station, I stopped in my tracks—wow!—a giant mural burst across the wall, telling stories of trains, people, and California’s changing landscapes. 🦊 The colors swirled like the wind, and I felt like I was stepping into history, with every brushstroke echoing the journeys of those who came before me.

Here's a closer look, it was restored in 2016 for the tune of 30 million (and worth every penny if you ask this fox).  It was a WPA, Depression era project and after 80ish years of smoke, dirt and other stuff it was restored to it's original glory. 

Saw some more cool (albeit not Art Deco buildings in Sacremento.  Here's the capital building, according to the internet it's neo classical.

Finally, the Elks Tower in Sacremento.

Built in 1926, it's 226 feet tall and if you guess Italian Renaissance (not Art Deco) you are right. 

After a great afternoon exploring Sacramento, my paws led me from the gleaming Art Deco lines of the Tower Bridge to the historic charm of the Sacramento Valley Station, where trains and murals whisper stories of travel and time. 🦊 Just a few blocks away, the grand old BPOE (Elks) Building stood proud with its ornate details, a reminder of the city’s rich architectural past. With my tail high and heart full, I trotted off into the nearest bar (it's darn hot in Sacremento in August), feeling like I’d stepped through a living museum!

 

Miami's art deco scene

As I trotted down Ocean Drive, my nose tilted up at the pastel Art Deco buildings, each one like a seashell painted in pinks, blues, and yellows. I learned that in the 1930s and ’40s, this neighborhood bloomed with these sleek, geometric designs, making Miami Beach world-famous for its style. With palm trees swaying and neon lights glowing, I felt like I had stepped into a living postcard from the past.  Let's go!

But not everything stayed bright—by the 1970s, many of the buildings had fallen into disrepair, and the once-glamorous district nearly faded away. When the TV show Miami Vice splashed its neon lights and cool style across the world, it helped draw new attention to South Beach, fueling the district’s comeback.  

 Thanks to passionate preservationists and artists, South Beach was revived in the 1980s, shining again as the vibrant Art Deco capital I get to explore today.

The Majestic in South Beach stands proudly along Ocean Drive, its pastel Art Deco façade and classic curves capturing the timeless glamour of Miami’s golden era.  It was way to hot to eat outside but how cool would that be? 

--------------

Art Deco style is known for its bold geometric lines, pastel colors, and sleek curves that create a playful yet elegant look.

The Barbizon Hotel in Miami Beach is a classic Art Deco landmark built in 1937, known for its curved façade, porthole windows, and pastel colors that reflect the elegance of South Beach’s historic district.  The roommates camera is not good enough to catch the portholes but trust me they are there. 

With my tail swishing in excitement, I stopped in front of the Congress Hotel on Ocean Drive, its pastel colors glowing in the sun. At night, the neon lights and bold shapes make it sparkle even brighter, and I couldn’t help but feel like this Art Deco treasure was welcoming me right into the heart of South Beach’s energy.

Simple bold lines, geometric designs and some classic Art Deco colors.

Trotting down Collins Avenue, I stopped to admire a pastel Art Deco building that first opened in 1939 as Hoffman’s Cafeteria, serving comforting meals to Miami Beach locals. Over time, it transformed into the legendary Warsaw Ballroom, where the nights were wild, dazzling, and unforgettable. Later, it became Jerry’s Famous Deli, then burst back to life as Señor Frog’s, filling the block with music, color, and laughter until its 2020 closure. Now, new owners turned this gem into a fancy clothing store.  

Even the lifeguard stations on Miami Beach follow the Art Deco style.

With my paws pattering a few blocks over, I came upon the Essex House, its elegant Art Deco curves and neon sign glowing like a beacon from 1938. Designed by architect Henry Hohauser, it once welcomed glamorous travelers looking for style and sunshine in Miami Beach’s golden age. I could almost hear the jazz drifting from its lobby bar, where stories of the city’s past still linger in the walls. Standing there, I felt like the Essex House wasn’t just a hotel—it was a time capsule of South Beach’s Art Deco soul.

According to the internet this is one of the more affordable lodgings in South Beach offering rooms between $150 and $200 a night.  

Next, I wandered over to the iconic Breakwater Hotel, its bold symmetry and sweeping curves painted in soft pastels that made it stand out like a seashell amidst Ocean Drive’s Art Deco parade. Designed by Anton Skislewicz in 1939, this nautical-styled beauty.  Notice the glass-block windows, neon blue and yellow sign, and chrome accents—still glows with ‘30s grandeur long into the evening.

 I peeked at the nightly rates and my whiskers quivered in delight: rooms start at around $72 for a superior stay, while queen and standard rooms hover between $90 and $122 a night—not too bad for Miami Beach.

Did anyone ever mention not to travel to Miami in the summer, well it's darn hot and this fox is starting to melt.  I scampered  along Ocean Drive one last time, my paws clicking against the old sidewalks beneath pastel towers and neon lights. From the Essex House to the Breakwater, each stop told a story—of 1930s glamour, wild nights, near decline, and dazzling rebirth. With every curve, color, and shining sign, South Beach’s Art Deco district felt like a living museum wrapped in tropical breezes. 

With my whiskers twitching and heart full of wonder, I was about ready to head back home but I saw one more attraction I needed to check out.  Yep, the Art Deco inspired swing. 

 Miami certainly was a town designed for this Little Fox.