Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/946983
MARCH / APRIL 2018 35 I M A G E C O U R T E S Y N B B J But it was the gold rushes in northern Canada and Alaska at the turn of the 20th century that led to a tripling of Seattle residents. A world city Seattle's recent growth has been driven not just by a single Internet giant—though the Amazon effect cannot be overstat- ed—but also by industries such as health sciences, biotech, and engineering. e same port that sent gold prospectors north 120 years ago now serves as a major point of trade with the ex- panding markets of Asia. It's not surprising then to see Asian buyers and investors increasing their presence in the Seattle real estate market. "e Seattle of today offers residents a very high quality of life with a stimulating environment where you are exposed to cultures from all over the world," says WAC Chairman of the Board Doug Seto. Doug was born and raised here and has seen the city defined by Boeing, a World's Fair, Starbucks, grunge, a Tom Hanks–Meg Ryan movie, and now Amazon. "e WAC has been an integral part of Seattle's transfor- mation," Doug says. "Many plans for new development and change were created here by members who are the civic, busi- ness and educational leaders of the city." Indeed, the WAC has served as the club of the city's deci- sion-makers in industry and government—a position only likely to increase as Seattle's most significant tower in 30 years rises a block away. Jon Scholes, a WAC member and the president and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, closely monitors change in the city, particularly the way it affects and is affected by downtown. u A rendering of the planned Rainier Square tower (above). The construction site as seen from the WAC (left). D A V E E S T E P