Greg Smith knows a thing or two about real estate investment in Seattle. A fifth‑generation Seattleite, his family began investing in local real estate shortly after arriving in the late 1860s. Growing up, Greg watched the skyline rise while working jobs that connected him to the city’s historic core: running the concession stand at UPS’s Waterfall Garden Park, operating the elevator at Smith Tower, and later serving as building engineer at the Dexter Horton Building.
After attending the University of Washington, Greg joined his father at Martin Smith Inc., helping build it into one of the region’s most respected property management firms, known especially for its stewardship of historic buildings. After more than 20 years in the family business, he pursued his passion for high‑density urban development, founding Urban Visions in response to the environmental threats posed by Seattle’s 1980s sprawl.
Greg’s focus on the urban core has kept him deeply connected to the historic neighborhoods he loves, particularly Pioneer Square. In addition to an extensive portfolio of historic renovations and ownership in the neighborhood (Reedo Building, Lowman and Hanford Building, Central Building, Burke State Buildings), Urban Visions developed and owns 200 Occidental (Weyerhaeuser’s headquarters) and The Jack.
He also partnered with local artists and entrepreneurs to purchase and renovate the Good Arts Building, renewing its vitality and providing stability for arts and cultural organizations, later selling a majority interest to Historic Seattle, ensuring its long‑term stewardship.
Most recently, Urban Visions purchased the vacant Grand Central Block, composed of the Grand Central, City Loan, and Buttnick buildings. His commitment to its revitalization includes relocating the Urban Visions team to the building. New tenants include Nebula (Café Nordo), Prairie Underground, and Hoyle Hat Co.
Historic Seattle is honored to recognize Greg Smith for his steadfast dedication to preserving meaningful places, his thoughtful approach to development, and his enduring commitment to making Seattle the best it can be.
Header image courtesy of Jennifer Richard Photography, bottom left courtesy of Greg Smith, middle image courtesy of PBSJ Marcus R. Donner, left image courtesy of DJC Kevin Scott
