Like many other early citizens, Atkins was involved in a variety of endeavors. In 1861, he helped clear land for construction of the first building for what became the University of Washington, on the site of what is now the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle. By December 1866, he had gone into the mercantile business. He and a partner, William H. Shoudy, bought a general store that had been established by Dexter Horton (1825-1904) at 1st Avenue and Washington Street. In announcing the purchase, the Puget Sound Weekly described Atkins and Shoudy as "worthy gentlemen, well qualified for the business." Coincidentally, both men went on to serve terms as mayor of Seattle (Shoudy in 1886).