SEATTLE — Downtown Seattle has gone through many changes over the years. Cranes seem to be a permanent fixture of the skyline with new skyscrapers constantly going up. But one building has stood the test of time – at least for the last 120 years. The clubhouse for the Rainier Club was built in 1904 and has provided a home away from home for its members ever since.
The social club itself was started in 1888 by some of the city’s most prominent pioneers. Gatherings happened at one member’s personal residence until a fire destroyed the structure. Shortly after, a new location was settled on the corner of 4th Avenue and Columbia Street.
The landmark clubhouse was designed by noted Spokane architect Kirtland K. Cutter. While the exterior remains largely unchanged, the inside has undergone several updates, becoming a mixture of tradition and modernity.
The members have also gone through a transformation. When the club started only men were allowed to join. That changed in 1978 when Justice Betty Fletcher and Luther Carr became the first female and Black members of the Rainer Club. Today, the club membership is a nearly even split with men and women.
"I was pleasantly surprised to feel the strongest sense of belonging here than anywhere else I've felt in the city,” said Laura Choi, who is a board member of the Rainier Club. “I think that's because the diversity of thought and culture has been so welcoming that I feel very comfortable and special and unique in what I bring to the table."
Laura also serves as chair of the club’s fashion committee. It’s one of dozens of committees that organizes the more than 200 events held at the club each year. The events center on arts culture, and education. They’ve hosted everything from wine tastings to fashion shows and most recently a Lunar New Year celebration.
"I think a lot of folks feel like there's a veil of secrecy around the clubhouse,” said Laura Choi who is a board member of The Rainier Club. “I know when I was looking for a private club, I didn't really know what this mansion on 4th was about but it's so much more welcoming and relatable than folks might think.”
Other amenities include a members-only dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus change seasonally focusing on sustainable locally sourced ingredients. There are also co-working spaces, a health club and overnight accommodation for members and their guests.
The Rainier Club is located at 820 4th Avenue in Downtown Seattle. To schedule a tour and learn more about becoming a member, visit the club's website.
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