Seattle’s P-I Globe Stays Lit Awaiting Next Chapter
The globe remains a quintessential Seattle symbol even if newcomers not steeped in local lore remain oblivious to its history
By John Levesque March 21, 2019
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Seattle magazine.
This article appears in print in the March 2019 issue. Click here for a free subscription.
Ten years after the print edition of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer passed into oblivion, the P-I globe persists, albeit in a diminished capacity. The girdle around its equator, sporting the brash Its in the P-I slogan, no longer rotates. And its hit-or-miss neon lighting desperately needs a refresh.
But the globe is still illuminated most nights. Hearst Corporation, parent of the surviving online entity, SeattlePI.com, still pays rent and electricity. And the globe remains a quintessential Seattle symbol even if newcomers not steeped in local lore remain oblivious to its history.
In some ways, its a good-news story, says Leonard Garfield, executive director of Seattles Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). Its impressive that the globe has demonstrated an endurance surpassing print media.
Still, its future remains unclear. MOHAI has owned rights to the globe since 2012, when Hearst donated it after Seattles Historic Preservation Board designated the globe a city landmark.
MOHAI and Hearst have discussed the cost of refurbishing and moving the globe from its perch on Elliott, but nothing appears imminent.
We continue to talk with Hearst, Garfield says, but we dont have anything to report.
Hearst spokesperson Paul Luthringer concurs, noting tersely, Discussions are underway.
The fact that neither side is willing or able to say more seems odd, as if maybe something is afoot and they dont want to divulge too much too soon. Its also unclear if Credit Suisse, which owns the former Post-Intelligencer Building at 101 Elliott Ave. W, is OK with letting the globe stay on the roof indefinitely. Credit Suisse spokesperson Candice Sun would only say, We decline to comment.
The globe was built by Pacific Car and Foundry Company, now PACCAR, for $26,000 about $640,000 today. It was installed at Sixth Avenue and Wall Street in 1948 and moved to Elliott Avenue West in 1986. Spiffing up and moving the 27,000-pound globe wont be inexpensive. Unofficial estimates on the cost range from $500,000 to $1 million.
If we knew a pathway to funding and a location, Garfield says, we estimate it would be a couple of months for restoration and a couple of months for relocation.
Two possible sites, assuming the city approves, are Myrtle Edwards Park along the Elliott Bay waterfront, directly across the railroad tracks from the P-I Building, and Lake Union Park, where MOHAI is situated. The bigger challenge right now, Garfield notes, is ongoing maintenance and stewardship. It uses a lot of electricity.
Garfield says he cant speculate on when or whether talks with Hearst might bear fruit. Nor will Hearst say anything more. Meanwhile, SeattlePI.com which employs about a dozen people at an office two blocks away in lower Queen Anne still uses the globe in its branding, which at least suggests the possibility Hearst will keep the lights on.
But for how long?