After opening the February edition of the “State Library jewels” blog series with the George Washington Bush family papers, we’re showcasing the State Library’s collection of Heinz Ulbrecht designs for the transformation of Leavenworth.

This Washington State Library collection consists of a notebook and six original blueprints involving the remodeling of Leavenworth into a mock Bavarian village to serve as a tourist attraction. Judging by the hordes of tourists who visit there, especially in December, the makeover plan has been a success.

Leavenworth was officially incorporated after the railroad had been completed in 1906. Until the early 1960s, Leavenworth had served primarily as a railroad and sawmill town. In 1962, citizens joined forces with the University of Washington to try to determine a way to revitalize the area.

The Bavarian Alpine theme was then adopted.  Ulbrecht was the architect who designed most of the renovations to the area.

   Photo courtesy of the State Library

In March 1968, Leavenworth was named an “All American City” by the National Municipal League and LOOK magazine.