Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

J.C. Olmsted returned to Seattle in 1906 to design the grounds for the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), which would use the undeveloped portion of the University of Washington campus (00346). He created “axes” to organize fair promenades and buildings and capture views of Mt. Rainier, Lake Washington and Lake Union. His design provides the lasting iconic framework for the University of Washington campus that is cherished today.

James Frederick Dawson from the Olmsted Brothers came to Seattle to manage the AYPE development, overseeing grading and plant preparation starting two years in advance of the opening of the fair. He published an article in the first issue of Landscape Architecture magazine in 1910 describing the vast amount of landscape design and preparation that went into creating the extraordinary Exposition experience.

After the six-month Exposition was finished much of the architecture was dismantled, but the circulation and landscape framework would remain along with a selection of buildings that would continue to be used by the University. The Park Commissioners hoped that the public would continue to be able to use the grounds since it was an integral part of the overall Olmsted system in the city.