Sequim Grain Elevator – Sequim Daily Photo

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Sequim’s historic grain elevator is the tallest structure in town. The base of the structure was built in 1929 as a storage warehouse; the grain elevator was completed in 1945. It operated as the old Clallam Co-Op until 1977. More recently it was home to El Cazador Restaurant which closed a couple of years ago. In 2014 auctions were planned to sell off the foreclosed property and there was talk of the Museum and Arts Center (MAC) acquiring it. Last July there was news of a “pending offer” to purchase it but I’ve seen nothing since.

This view of the elevator on a clear day shows the Cascade Mountains in the distance to the east.

The grain elevator, 2 of 2

The ghost sign on the side of Sequim’s grain elevator has been partially painted over. In the days when the elevator was operating, from the 1940s to the 1970s, the Clallam Co-Op boasted “every member a field man.”

The grain elevator, 1 of 2

Big cities have towers and skyscrapers that define their landscapes. Sequim, with its deep roots as a farming community, has its historic grain elevator. Built in the 1940s it’s the tallest structure in Sequim. Railroad tracks once ran by this granary that functioned as the Clallam Co-Op until the 1970s.

The upper portion of the building now serves as a communications tower and there is a Mexican restaurant at its base. I rather like its corduroy look.

Update to this post on 4/12/14: The restaurant at the base of the elevator was closed on March 3, 2014. The owners are attempting to sell the property. If they are unsuccessful the property is destined for public auction as a trustee sale on April 27, 2014 according to an article in the Peninsula Daily News.