Seattle often called the Emerald City due to its lush evergreen forests, is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its impressive skyline, which features a mix of modern high-rises and historic skyscrapers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most significant skyscrapers that define Seattle’s skyline, each representing unique architectural styles and contributions to the city’s cultural and economic life.
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Columbia Center
Standing as the tallest high-rise building in Seattle, Columbia Center reaches a height of 937 feet. Completed in 1985, it has 76 floors, making it the tallest building in the city and the tallest in the entire Pacific Northwest. Designed by architect Chester L. Lindsey, the building features a distinctive three-sided pyramid at its top, lit up at night with different colors depending on the season or special events.
Columbia Center is primarily used for office space, housing various law firms, financial institutions, and technology companies. The building’s Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor offers one of the best views in Seattle, providing panoramic vistas of the downtown skyline, Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, and Puget Sound. This public viewing area attracts tourists and locals alike who want to see Seattle from above.
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Space Needle
Although not a skyscraper by conventional standards, no discussion of Seattle’s significant tall structures would be complete without mentioning the Space Needle. This iconic observation tower was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has since become synonymous with Seattle’s identity. Standing at 605 feet, it was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.
Designed by Edward E. Carlson and John Graham Jr., the Space Needle features a futuristic flying saucer-shaped top house, which holds the observation deck and the rotating SkyCity restaurant. The recent renovation in 2017 added the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, offering visitors a unique view directly down to the streets below.
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Smith Tower
As the oldest skyscraper in this list, Smith Tower was completed in 1914 and was the tallest building outside New York City at the time. Standing at 484 feet with 38 stories, it is a classic example of early 20th-century architecture, characterized by its neoclassical marble and terracotta facade.
Smith Tower was built by Lyman Cornelius Smith, a typewriter and firearms magnate. The building’s historical significance is also highlighted by its famous Chinese Room, whose decor includes gifts from the Empress of China. Today, visitors can enjoy a drink at the tower’s speakeasy-style bar and take in panoramic views from the open-air observation deck.
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1201 Third Avenue
Formerly known as the Washington Mutual Tower, 1201 Third Avenue is one of Seattle’s most prominent skyscrapers. Completed in 1988, this modernist tower stands at 772 feet with 55 floors, making it the second tallest building in Seattle. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, a renowned architectural firm, the building is noted for its tapered structure and blue-tinted glass, which reflects the surrounding cityscape and sky.
1201 Third Avenue primarily serves as office space and includes major tenants from the legal, financial, and technology sectors. The building’s design emphasizes natural light and has a plaza and public spaces that are well-integrated with the city’s urban fabric.
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Two Union Square
Another significant building in Seattle’s skyline is Two Union Square, which reaches 740 feet and was completed in 1989. It stands as the third tallest building in the city and features a dramatic granite and glass facade. The building was designed to complement its older sibling, One Union Square, but stands out due to its taller stature and more pronounced architectural features.
Two Union Square is primarily used for office space and is home to many high-profile corporations. The building’s lobby is known for its luxurious finishing, including a grand waterfall and works of art. Its construction was part of the larger Union Square complex, which was one of the major developments in downtown Seattle during the late 1980s.
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Rainier Tower
Rainier Tower is one of the most visually striking buildings in Seattle, thanks to its unique design by Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the original World Trade Center in New York. Completed in 1977, the building is notable for its “pedestal” base, which tapers down to a narrow 120-foot base, resembling a mushroom or an inverted pyramid.
The tower itself rises to 514 feet and contains office spaces primarily used by financial and legal firms. The unusual base design was not only a stylistic choice but also functional, as it allowed for the preservation of open space and the historic Rainier Club, which is adjacent to the tower.
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Seattle Municipal Tower
Formerly known as the Key Tower, the Seattle Municipal Tower is a distinctive part of the city’s skyline. Rising to 722 feet with 62 stories, it was completed in 1990 and designed by Bassetti Architects and Kohn Pedersen Fox. The building is characterized by its modernist design with a mix of granite and glass materials.
Today, the Seattle Municipal Tower houses various city offices, including the offices of the Mayor of Seattle and other city departments. Its central location and height make it a prominent feature of the downtown area, serving as a hub for municipal activities and services.
These skyscrapers not only define Seattle’s skyline but also its architectural evolution and economic development. From historic buildings like Smith Tower to modern marvels like Columbia Center, each skyscraper has a story that reflects a chapter of Seattle’s history. They serve not just as office or residential spaces but as landmarks and symbols of the city’s vibrant culture and ongoing growth. Whether you’re admiring these structures from afar or exploring them up close, Seattle’s skyscrapers offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, present, and future of this dynamic city.
