Pike Place Market opened on August 17, 1907. Its goal was to let consumers "Meet the Producer." Frank Goodwin and his brothers developed most of the core buildings and kept the decoration minimal so the focus stayed on products and low prices.
In 1971, voters passed a historic preservation initiative on November 2 by a 2-to-1 margin. It created a historic district and kept the market in public hands.
Rachel is a 550-pound bronze piggy bank by Georgia Gerber, in place since 1986. It collects roughly $6,000 to $9,000 a year for the Market Foundation's social services.