One of the best ways to get a good view of the city is from the observation deck of the Smith Tower.
The building of the Smith Tower was revolutionary in many ways. Around its steel framework was wrapped a white ornamental terra cotta. This product is so dirt resistant that the building exterior has only been professional cleaned once – in the 1970’s. The rest of the time, the Seattle rain keeps the building clean.
Very little wood was used in the construction of the Smith Tower, which was seen as heresy to a city noted for its timber barons. Instead, the building relied on bronze, steel, mosaic tiles, marble and onyx, materials that were both durable and beautiful.
At 522 feet, the Smith Tower was one of the world’s first skyscrapers and for many years was the 4th tallest building in the world. With 42 floors, including a pyramid shaped Gothic cap, it opened to great fanfare on July 4th, 1914, and it remained the tallest building west of the Mississippi River for nearly 50 years. Then, as now, people rode to the 35th floor observation deck to get a look at the city.
In 1999, the building was remodeled, updating many of its systems, and adding state of the art technology. The 37th floor, which was originally the caretaker’s apartment, was turned into a penthouse apartment, the only residence in the building.
The Smith Tower Observation Deck is right in the middle of the city. Take the original 1914 elevators, the last manually operated elevators on the west coast, to 35th floor. The outdoor observation deck completely wraps around all four sides of the building. Walk all the way around and you’ll see views of the waterfront, the downtown area, the mountains (Olympia and Cascade mountain ranges) and the sports district (Qwest Field and Safeco Field). It’s a breathtaking view of the city!
Location: The Smith Tower is located in the heart of Pioneer Square at 502 Second Avenue (between James and Yesler).
Hours: The observation deck is open year round and most holidays. November to March: Friday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. April to October: Daily, 10 am to sunset. July and August: 9 am to sunset. The deck may be closed for private events, so check the hours of operation online just to be on the safe side.
Price: $6 for adults. $5 for students and seniors, $4 children (6-12), free for children 5 and under. Tickets are purchased on the 35th floor. Group rates are also available.
Interesting Smith Tower Fact: Unlike in modern skyscrapers, most of the Smith Tower’s 2,314 windows can be opened and closed.