The Eastern Hotel is an example of the typical turn-of-the-century multi-story SRO hotel found in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District and owned by the InterIm Community Development Association. It was built by David Dow, a prominent contractor in his day, between 1909 and 1911. Its original owner, the Wa Chong Company, played a prominent role within Seattle’s Chinese community. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of “Seattle Chinatown Historic District” in 1986, and is a listed City Landmark.

The restoration focused on providing a historically accurate renovation of the interior and exterior of the building. Existing hotel units were converted to apartments while maintaining the essential layout, plaster and mill work of the original interior. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems were upgraded. Exterior work included repointing of the brick and restoration of the existing decorative stained brick pattern.

Project funding included Historic Tax Credits. It won an AIA “Housing the Northwest” Award in 1999.