Smith Tower

Smith Tower is a historic skyscraper located in Seattle, Washington. It was completed in 1914 and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River until the completion of the Kansas City Power and Light Building in 1931. The building stands at 42 stories and is approximately 318 feet tall. This amazing attraction is located at 506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.

The building was designed by architect G.A. Peiser and was built by the Smith Tower Company, which was owned by Lyman Cornelius Smith, who was the founder of the Smith Premier Typewriter Company. The building was originally intended to be the headquarters for the Smith Premier Typewriter Company, but the company went bankrupt before the building was completed.

The building was then sold to a group of investors, and it has had various occupants over the years, including offices, retail space, and residential units. The building is currently a mix of commercial and residential space, with several businesses and apartments located within the building.

One of the most notable features of the building is the observation deck, located on the 35th floor. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and was a popular tourist attraction in the early 20th century. The observation deck is open to the public and offers a unique perspective on the city, with views of the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound.

The building’s exterior is made of terracotta, a type of ceramic material that was popular for building construction in the early 20th century. The terra cotta was used to create ornate designs and decorations on the building’s exterior, and it remains one of the most recognizable features of the building. The building is also notable for its Beaux-Arts architectural style, which is characterized by its grandeur, symmetry, and the use of classical elements.

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, Smith Tower is also known for its place in popular culture. The building has appeared in several films, including “Sleepless in Seattle” and “The Parallax View.” It has also been featured in several video games, including “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” and “Alone in the Dark: Illumination.”

Smith Tower is considered a Seattle landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It continues to be a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a glimpse into the city’s past while also providing a unique perspective on the present.

In recent years, the building has undergone a renovation to modernize the space and make it more attractive to tenants. The renovation included the addition of a new rooftop deck and an update to the building’s mechanical systems, such as elevators and HVAC. The renovation also included the restoration of original features such as the brass elevator doors and the terra cotta exterior.

In summary, Smith Tower is a historic skyscraper located in Seattle, Washington, completed in 1914. It was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River until the completion of the Kansas City Power and Light Building in 1931. The building was originally intended to be the headquarters for the Smith Premier Typewriter Company, but the company went bankrupt before the building was completed. The building is currently a mix of commercial and residential space, with several businesses and apartments located within the building. One of the most notable features of the building is the observation deck, located on the 35th floor. The building’s exterior is made of terracotta, a type of ceramic material that was popular for building construction in the early 20th century. The building is considered a Seattle landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.