SEATTLE — The National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Panama Hotel in Seattle's International District a National Treasure.
"This is a hotel that's been a service to the immigrant community for a century," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The hotel, built in 1910 was a symbol of a thriving Japantown until World War II.
"Seventy-three years ago today the United States government created a commission that forced 100,000 people of Japanese descent into forcible internment," said Meeks.
The owner at the time, Takashi Hori, allowed Japanese Americans to store their belongings in the basement of the hotel.
"Dozens of people did that; some returned after the war to reclaim their belongings but may many people didn't," said Meeks.
Jan Johnson has owned the hotel for more than 30 years, she's grateful that this designation means that the property will be preserved for many years to come.
"For me it's all about saving this building," said Johnson.
The new designation means that the National Trust will work on cataloging, documenting and preserving all of the artifacts at the hotel.
The National Trust will also help Johnson find a new owner of the property when she decides to retire.
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