Lyon Building
historic place
The Lyon Building, a historic place in Seattle, Washington, is located in King County. Construction began in 1910 by the Yukon Investment Company. Designed by Graham & Myers in the Chicago school style, it was named after Lyon, France, honoring its owners' French heritage. During its 1910 construction, the unfinished building was targeted by a dynamite bombing. This was due to the builder, Stone & Webster, employing non-union workers. Its robust design prevented destruction, and it was completed in 1911. The building quickly became a popular address for lawyers and judges, given its closeness to the King County Courthouse. It also served as the founding location for the City University of Seattle. The Lyon Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and designated a Seattle city landmark in 1996. Since 1997, it has served as supportive housing for formerly homeless adults, operated by the Downtown Emergency Service Center. This site illustrates how historic structures can adapt to evolving community needs.