Nordstrom Starts Work On Project Seattle Development Includes Flagship Store, Headquarters

Construction is to begin within two weeks on Nordstrom’s new flagship store and corporate headquarters, part of a $400 million redevelopment project for three blocks of downtown Seattle.

Nordstrom is moving kitty-corner across the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street to the old Frederick & Nelson department store building, which has been vacant since 1992, when the chain went out of business.

The keys to the building were formally turned over to Jim Nordstrom Jr. on Thursday.

Developer Pine Street Associates funded the acquisition. In return, Nordstrom transferred to the developers the rights to the four buildings Nordstrom currently occupies as its flagship store and headquarters.

The clothing chain plans to invest $100 million in its new store and offices, which will open in 1998.

There will be 320,000 square feet of retail space on six levels. The rest of the 700,000-square-foot building will house Nordstrom’s corporate and regional offices.

Other elements of the redevelopment project include a retail and entertainment complex on the block adjoining the F&N building and a mix of retail and office space in Nordstrom’s existing buildings.