The Pike Place Market photographs were compiled to document the history and redevelopment of the project area. The images were accumulated in several different ways. Historical photographs were gathered from several sources including the King County Assessor's Collection at the Puget Sound Branch of the State Archives and the Desimone Family. Contemporary images were gathered from amateur photographers and project staff who documented various aspects of the Market and the project. A 1972 visual survey of building interior and exterior conditions in the historic district was conducted prior to initiating the rehabilitation work. In addition, the Project Office contracted with several photographers to document specific activities or physical elements of the Market.

The Pike Place Market photographs are organized in three distinct sections. The first is organized by individual property or parcel and contains historical and contemporary photographs, including the 1972 survey images. The second grouping was part of the Department of Community Development's acquisition request records. These photographs were taken in 1967 and are a nearly complete exterior survey of the Market neighborhood. The final grouping is organized by subject or Market activity and includes both historical and contemporary photographs.