Exploring Everett Volume 2: Historic Everett Walking Tour
Editor’s note: Originally published September 7, 2016. Republished June 25, 2020.
The group gathered in front of a dirty, dungy street-level parking lot in downtown Everett with about 50 people I'd never seen before. It was a hot day, and all of us were fighting for shade. It was on August 20th when I participated in the Historic Everett Walking tour of Downtown Everett, led by Jack O'Donnell a local historian and author.
O'Donnell first started with the abandoned building just to our east pointing out how that building represented everything that was wrong with downtown urbanization (The Hodges Building - 1804 Hewitt Ave). It was an ugly building, empty, wood in the windows, and paint peeling.
Then we turned to the building above the Independent Beer Bar (The Commerce Building - 1801 Hewitt). O'Donnell pointed out that the buildings were near twins. Similar finishing touches, but the other building was vibrant, alive, and full. O'Donnell explained that the Commerce Building was an example of what had been done right in revitalizing downtown Everett.
Tour Guide Jack O'Donnell of Historic Everett discusses the Interurban Train System from the Stairs of the old Everett Post Office (now Chicago Title).
Then we headed west towards the water. O'Donnell talked about how the cityscape had evolved. Towers torn down and new buildings, of less architectural quality (Bank of America, looking at you here) had been built in their stead.
We turned the corner and talked about the new hotel being built (Courtyard by Marriott), the first new hotel - and what it signaled for the growth of Everett. People throughout Washington and the West see a growth path for this city. O'Donnell also talked about the row of houses on Hoyt between Hewitt and Wall - the last single family homes in the downtown area - those houses hold so much history of the life that was here.
My wife graced these pages about Exploring Music At The Marina. We are recent transplants to the Everett area from Tacoma. We both love the history that a city like Everett provides. O'Donnell's walking tour was a great way to see historic Everett as well as talk to people who love Everett and have seen it evolve over the years.
Guided tours are postponed due to the pandemic so Check out Historic Everett for some self-guided walking tours.
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