Seattles world-famous retail and residential center is 9 acres in the heart of downtown Seattle. Started in 1907, the Pike Place Market is a historic district of 24 buildings, 240 commercial businesses, 85 farmers, 225 craftspeople and 400 apartments. In addition, there are social services that serve thousands of people--the food bank, senior center, preschool and medical clinic. Most Market properties are owned and managed by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, a public not-for-profit corporation chartered by the City of Seattle in 1973 to act as steward and caretaker of the historic properties.