One of the major projects at the new store in SoDo is Second Use’s loading dock. Loading docks are more practical than they are interesting, but in this case, a cool story comes along with the space.
Prior to companies using trucks to transport materials as they do today, trains were the main mode of moving items from one place to another. The change to trucks took place after World War II. Highways were improving, and trucks allowed for more flexibility with scheduling. Some time back, the old Alaskan Copper building must have had trains pulling in and out, because train tracks made up the loading dock.
Unfortunately for historical preservation but fortunately for the aching backs of staff, Second Use reconfigured the loading dock area to make it practical for the Field Crew and Receiving Crew to exchange materials. See the pictures below to view the transformation.
Posted 8/21/2012
