Seattle is the largest city in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. It might be all the coffee. But Seattle’s forward-thinking spirit and a keen eye for creativity are most definitely a part of it. It has been home to many tech titans, music stars, and sports stars over the years because of its talent for business enterprise.
Despite its rapid growth, Seattle has not lost sight of its roots. This can be seen best in its diverse architectural landscape. This harmonious blend of past, present and future captivated visitors and residents alike.
These are the ten must-see landmarks for architecture lovers in Seattle, ranging from modern-day construction marvels to historical landmarks.
Smith Tower
Smith Tower, located in Pioneer Square, is the original skyscraper of Seattle. It was built in 1914, and its 38-stories made Smith Tower the tallest building in Seattle. This title was held until 1962 when the Space Needle arrived. Smith Tower was the tallest building in America when it was built.
The neoclassical design of the building sets it apart from other modern skyscrapers. However, its most distinctive feature is its pyramid-shaped top. It has been a private residence for the past 20 years. However, it has recently been put on the rental market at $17,000 per month (EUR14 082).
Although most people can’t afford the Smith Tower’s top-of-the-line lifestyle, they are allowed to visit the observatory deck. There is also a prohibition bar.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop).
Paul Allen, Microsoft’s co-founder and chief executive, marked the beginning of the new millennium by launching a cutting-edge, interactive music-themed institution. He envisioned an exterior that featured a vibrant and lively collection of aluminum and metal. Frank O. Gehry, the architect of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, was the best to bring it to life.
Some people find the shiny, wavy exterior to be an eyesore. Others see it as a unique combination of color and texture. It has undoubtedly become a landmark in Seattle that celebrates pop culture and music. Special thanks to Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and other local legends.
Rainier Tower
Minoru Yamasaki also designed New York’s World Trade Center and built this precarious feat. Rainier Tower’s uniqueness is not its height but the base that holds them together, which looks like a poorly planned game of Jenga, and it makes it look tall.
Its base is an eleven-story concrete pedestal, which is the foundation of the 38 stories higher. Its quirky design gives it its nickname, The Beaver Building. It looks like a beaver preparing to fall a tree by ripping off bits at its bottom.
Seattle Central Library
The downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library is the largest and most prominent among the 27. It was designed to be a welcoming space for digital learning and not the stereotypical library.
Although its sleek exterior is made of steel and glass, visitors discover that it has been colored once inside. Bright green escalators take bookworms between levels. One floor is completely covered in fire-engine orange.
It houses 1.5 million books in its 11-stories. The book spiral allows readers to continuously browse shelves without breaking up the Dewey Decimal system.
