A.E. Larson Building

Updated October 31, 2025

## A.E. Larson Building, Yakima — Washington’s Central-Valley Art Deco Landmark

**Address:** 6 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
**Coordinates:** 46.6021941, -120.5047403
**Type:** Historic office building / landmark (National Register of Historic Places)

### Why this building matters
Completed in **1931**, the **11-story, Art Deco** A.E. Larson Building is the defining silhouette on Yakima’s skyline. Designed by architect **John W. Maloney** for entrepreneur **A.E. (Adelbert) Larson**, it rose during the Great Depression as a vote of confidence in the city’s future. It was added to the **National Register of Historic Places** on **September 11, 1984**, and remains a focal point of downtown Yakima’s architectural story. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Quick facts
– **Height & scale:** The tower stands **188 feet to the top of its flagpole**; eleven stories with ground-floor retail and a central lobby. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Architect:** **John W. Maloney**, a Yakima-based architect (later Seattle) known for crisp, vertically expressive Deco work. [ Archaeology](https://dahp.wa.gov/historic-preservation/research-and-technical-preservation-guidance/architect-biographies/bio-for-john-w-maloney?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Materials & detailing:** **Salmon-colored brick** and **terra-cotta cladding** over a stone base with **Art Deco bronze** accents; signature **setbacks** shape the 10th and 11th floors. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Windows:** Original **vertically hinged steel casements**—engineered so panes could be cleaned from inside—are a distinctive feature. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Status in Yakima:** When completed, it was **by far the tallest building in Yakima** and it continues to anchor the skyline. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## A short history you can trust
Yakima businessman **A.E. Larson** financed the project using his own capital during a period of falling construction costs, commissioning Maloney to deliver a statement tower at the corner of **South Second Street and East Yakima Avenue**. The result was a streamlined, setback massing typical of late-1920s/early-1930s skyscraper design—adapted to a smaller city and executed with regional materials and craftsmanship. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

In **1984**, the building earned a place on the **National Register of Historic Places** for its architecture and its impact on Yakima’s development. The official listing confirms the location, era, architect, and significance. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

For broader context on its civic ambition and skyline impact, architectural historians emphasize how the tower was meant to shift Yakima from an agricultural hub toward a more **cosmopolitan business center**—a goal that shaped its bold height and Deco ornament. [ ARCHIPEDIA](https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WA-01-077-0039?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Architecture highlights to look for from the sidewalk
If you’re photographing or studying the building **from the public right-of-way** at **S 2nd St & E Yakima Ave**, these details are easy to spot:

– **Stone base with bronze work:** Look for **bronze surrounds** and Deco motifs at ground level; these frame retail and lobby entries and set up the vertical rhythm above. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Brick & terra cotta palette:** The **salmon-hued brick** contrasted with **terra cotta** spandrels and trim is characteristic of Pacific Northwest Deco. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Setbacks:** A **straight rise to the 10th floor**, then **progressive setbacks** at the 10th and 11th floors—an elegant way to reduce bulk and catch the light. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Flagpole termination:** The height to the **flagpole tip (188 ft)** gives the crown a true “cap,” completing the vertical composition. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

> Note: This is an **active office building**. Access policies can change; plan on viewing architecture primarily from outside unless you have permission for interior areas. (The public-facing significance and exterior features are well-documented; interior access is not guaranteed in any source cited here.) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Planning your visit (practical notes)
– **Exact spot:** The building occupies the **southwest corner of S 2nd St & E Yakima Ave**—a central, walkable part of downtown. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58838-d15262642-Reviews-Historic_Larson_Building-Yakima_Washington.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **What you can reliably do:**
– Photograph the exterior and setbacks from the **intersection corners**.
– Observe the **materials and ornament** at street level (stone, bronze, terra-cotta). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **What not to assume:** Public lobby hours, interior photography, and rooftop/upper-floor access are **not published in authoritative sources** cited here. Treat access as **private** unless confirmed directly with on-site management.

—

## Researcher’s corner (for architecture & history fans)
– **Primary reference:** The **National Register** listing anchors the facts: architect (**Maloney**), year (**1931**), and significance. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Scholarly overview:** **SAH Archipedia** provides interpretive context about the building’s role in Yakima’s growth aspirations and skyline dominance. [ ARCHIPEDIA](https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WA-01-077-0039?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Architect biography:** The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation’s biography of **John W. Maloney** confirms his Yakima roots and highlights the Larson Building as a career touchstone. [ Archaeology](https://dahp.wa.gov/historic-preservation/research-and-technical-preservation-guidance/architect-biographies/bio-for-john-w-maloney?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Accuracy & recency notes (flagging discrepancies)
– **Year built:** Authoritative sources (National Register, SAH Archipedia) state **1931**. Some commercial real-estate aggregators list **1930**; treat those as **secondary and potentially inconsistent**. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Height figure:** The most reliable published measurement is **188 ft to the flagpole top**, which aligns across multiple architectural references. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Tallest status:** References identify it as **the** or **one of the** tallest in Yakima since completion; skyline context pieces reiterate its dominance. (Yakima has few high-rises; always compare current local data if a superlative is mission-critical.) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Nearby context you can verify easily
If you’re building a downtown Yakima itinerary around architecture and culture, the city’s official pages and museum listings provide additional stops; while not part of the Larson Building itself, they help frame the area’s cultural map. (https://www.yakimawa.gov/visit/museums/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

### Sources
– **National Register / Wikipedia summary of NRHP entry:** location, date (1931), materials, height, and description. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Larson_Building?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **SAH Archipedia:** interpretive analysis of design intent and skyline impact. [ ARCHIPEDIA](https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WA-01-077-0039?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **WA DAHP—John W. Maloney bio:** architect identification and Yakima practice history. [ Archaeology](https://dahp.wa.gov/historic-preservation/research-and-technical-preservation-guidance/architect-biographies/bio-for-john-w-maloney?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **TripAdvisor listing (for geolocation confirmation of the corner):** address presentation at **6 S 2nd St at E Yakima Ave**. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58838-d15262642-Reviews-Historic_Larson_Building-Yakima_Washington.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

*All facts above are drawn from the cited sources. Where commercial listings conflicted with primary references (e.g., “1930” vs. 1931), the discrepancy is explicitly flagged.*

Key Highlights

Stone base with bronze work: Look for bronze surrounds and Deco motifs at ground level; these frame retail and lobby entries and set up the vertical rhythm above. oai_citation:9‡Wikipedia
Brick & terra cotta palette: The salmon-hued brick contrasted with terra cotta spandrels and trim is characteristic of Pacific Northwest Deco. oai_citation:10‡Wikipedia
Setbacks: A straight rise to the 10th floor, then progressive setbacks at the 10th and 11th floors—an elegant way to reduce bulk and catch the light. oai_citation:11‡Wikipedia
Flagpole termination: The height to the flagpole tip (188 ft) gives the crown a true “cap,” completing the vertical composition. oai_citation:12‡Wikipedia

Location

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A.E. Larson Building, Yakima — Washington’s Central-Valley Art Deco Landmark

Address: 6 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
Coordinates: 46.6021941, -120.5047403
Type: Historic office building / landmark (National Register of Historic Places)

Why this building matters

Completed in 1931, the 11-story, Art Deco A.E. Larson Building is the defining silhouette on Yakima’s skyline. Designed by architect John W. Maloney for entrepreneur A.E. (Adelbert) Larson, it rose during the Great Depression as a vote of confidence in the city’s future. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 11, 1984, and remains a focal point of downtown Yakima’s architectural story. oai_citation:0‡Wikipedia

Quick facts

• Height & scale: The tower stands 188 feet to the top of its flagpole; eleven stories with ground-floor retail and a central lobby. oai_citation:1‡Wikipedia
• Architect: John W. Maloney, a Yakima-based architect (later Seattle) known for crisp, vertically expressive Deco work. oai_citation:2‡Washington Archaeology
• Materials & detailing: Salmon-colored brick and terra-cotta cladding over a stone base with Art Deco bronze accents; signature setbacks shape the 10th and 11th floors. oai_citation:3‡Wikipedia
• Windows: Original vertically hinged steel casements—engineered so panes could be cleaned from inside—are a distinctive feature. oai_citation:4‡Wikipedia
• Status in Yakima: When completed, it was by far the tallest building in Yakima and it continues to anchor the skyline. oai_citation:5‡Wikipedia

A short history you can trust

Yakima businessman A.E. Larson financed the project using his own capital during a period of falling construction costs, commissioning Maloney to deliver a statement tower at the corner of South Second Street and East Yakima Avenue. The result was a streamlined, setback massing typical of late-1920s/early-1930s skyscraper design—adapted to a smaller city and executed with regional materials and craftsmanship. oai_citation:6‡Wikipedia

In 1984, the building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and its impact on Yakima’s development. The official listing confirms the location, era, architect, and significance. oai_citation:7‡Wikipedia

For broader context on its civic ambition and skyline impact, architectural historians emphasize how the tower was meant to shift Yakima from an agricultural hub toward a more cosmopolitan business center—a goal that shaped its bold height and Deco ornament. oai_citation:8‡SAH ARCHIPEDIA

Architecture highlights to look for from the sidewalk

If you’re photographing or studying the building from the public right-of-way at S 2nd St & E Yakima Ave, these details are easy to spot:

• Stone base with bronze work: Look for bronze surrounds and Deco motifs at ground level; these frame retail and lobby entries and set up the vertical rhythm above. oai_citation:9‡Wikipedia
• Brick & terra cotta palette: The salmon-hued brick contrasted with terra cotta spandrels and trim is characteristic of Pacific Northwest Deco. oai_citation:10‡Wikipedia
• Setbacks: A straight rise to the 10th floor, then progressive setbacks at the 10th and 11th floors—an elegant way to reduce bulk and catch the light. oai_citation:11‡Wikipedia
• Flagpole termination: The height to the flagpole tip (188 ft) gives the crown a true “cap,” completing the vertical composition. oai_citation:12‡Wikipedia

Note: This is an active office building. Access policies can change; plan on viewing architecture primarily from outside unless you have permission for interior areas. (The public-facing significance and exterior features are well-documented; interior access is not guaranteed in any source cited here.) oai_citation:13‡Wikipedia

Planning your visit (practical notes)

• Exact spot: The building occupies the southwest corner of S 2nd St & E Yakima Ave—a central, walkable part of downtown. oai_citation:14‡Tripadvisor
• What you can reliably do:
• Photograph the exterior and setbacks from the intersection corners.
• Observe the materials and ornament at street level (stone, bronze, terra-cotta). oai_citation:15‡Wikipedia
• What not to assume: Public lobby hours, interior photography, and rooftop/upper-floor access are not published in authoritative sources cited here. Treat access as private unless confirmed directly with on-site management.

Researcher’s corner (for architecture & history fans)

• Primary reference: The National Register listing anchors the facts: architect (Maloney), year (1931), and significance. oai_citation:16‡Wikipedia
• Scholarly overview: SAH Archipedia provides interpretive context about the building’s role in Yakima’s growth aspirations and skyline dominance. oai_citation:17‡SAH ARCHIPEDIA
• Architect biography: The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation’s biography of John W. Maloney confirms his Yakima roots and highlights the Larson Building as a career touchstone. oai_citation:18‡Washington Archaeology

Accuracy & recency notes (flagging discrepancies)

• Year built: Authoritative sources (National Register, SAH Archipedia) state 1931. Some commercial real-estate aggregators list 1930; treat those as secondary and potentially inconsistent. oai_citation:19‡Wikipedia
• Height figure: The most reliable published measurement is 188 ft to the flagpole top, which aligns across multiple architectural references. oai_citation:20‡Wikipedia
• Tallest status: References identify it as the or one of the tallest in Yakima since completion; skyline context pieces reiterate its dominance. (Yakima has few high-rises; always compare current local data if a superlative is mission-critical.) oai_citation:21‡Wikipedia

Nearby context you can verify easily

If you’re building a downtown Yakima itinerary around architecture and culture, the city’s official pages and museum listings provide additional stops; while not part of the Larson Building itself, they help frame the area’s cultural map. oai_citation:22‡Yakima

Sources

• National Register / Wikipedia summary of NRHP entry: location, date (1931), materials, height, and description. oai_citation:23‡Wikipedia
• SAH Archipedia: interpretive analysis of design intent and skyline impact. oai_citation:24‡SAH ARCHIPEDIA
• WA DAHP—John W. Maloney bio: architect identification and Yakima practice history. oai_citation:25‡Washington Archaeology
• TripAdvisor listing (for geolocation confirmation of the corner): address presentation at 6 S 2nd St at E Yakima Ave. oai_citation:26‡Tripadvisor

All facts above are drawn from the cited sources. Where commercial listings conflicted with primary references (e.g., “1930” vs. 1931), the discrepancy is explicitly flagged.