Seattle is at risk of losing one of its most important landmarks.
The world famous Panama Hotel at 6th and Main in Nihonmachi (Japantown, located in the Chinatown International District) is facing serious financial challenges. There is a fundraising effort underway to save this important place from losing all the stories its walls contain.
Once the center of Seattle’s thriving Japanese community prior to World War II and a place for many to gather and share stories, the Panama building served as a hub of commerce and residence, with a traditional bathhouse (sento), a community laundry, and then as a place of refuge for Issei and Nisei belongings during the war. The Panama Hotel held on to the hope of return when the future was uncertain.
Some did return for their things; others did not. Since 1945, subsequent generations have returned to 601-611 South Main Street to honor and remember what happened to their families and friends. The Panama Hotel has always been this place of return and we hope it will continue to be a living monument to resilience and memory.
At 116 years old, this place is truly a National Treasure — Seattle’s only one!
But its future is uncertain.
Jan Johnson, who for over 40 years has spent her time, money, and effort to keep the Panama Hotel alive for all the experience, needs your help to preserve this crucial piece of American history.
Our goals are to repair critical historic features, roofing, and structural elements to ensure the building’s integrity; improve climate conditions for the continued preservation of the WWII-era artifacts housed in the basement of the building; and conserve the irreplaceable sento for all future generations to visit. Jan also plans to promote the Panama Hotel’s connection to the celebrated Seattle Camera Club of the 1920s.
Please help us to save this unique building for future generations to see over the next century by supporting our GoFundMe fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-panama-hotel-preserving-a-living-piece-of-history
Every dollar raised goes directly toward the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of the Panama Hotel and the museum of artifacts that it contains. Donations to the museum are tax deductible.
We also provide tours of the building every Sunday at 11 a.m. or by appointment for a fee, all of which goes directly into the repair fund. Please help us save this important part of our Seattle.
Without you, the Panama and all its stories may be lost.
For more information, contact Jan Johnson at 206-595-2984.
