While these manually operated elevators with their antiquated equipment may have offered a nostalgic charm to passengers, they were also causing extended wait times in an era when fast, efficient lifts are a must for a modern, growing urban center. Prior to the modernization, the elevators were still using their original motors and components from 1914. and JPC Architects, was selected to perform the elevator upgrades, in the process creating fast and reliable units that meet fire, life and safety codes, while preserving their vintage charm. thyssenkrupp, working with consultant Lerch Bates Inc. Perhaps even more important to the building’s upgrade, however, was the modernization of its seven vintage elevators, which, prior to the modernization, were among the few manually operated elevators in the city. In 2015 - not long after it was purchased by Unico - Smith Tower underwent a major renovation that gave the historic skyscraper an entirely reimagined visitor experience, including a ground-floor gathering place, exhibits on its history, and a renovated observatory with an open-air observation deck and a speakeasy-style bar offering views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, local sports stadiums and the waterfront’s Great Wheel. When it was built more than 100 years ago, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River and remained the West Coast’s tallest building until 1962. Since its opening in 1914, the 42-story, 484-ft-tall Smith Tower in Seattle has stood out and above most others. When Unico Properties set out to modernize one of the most historic and iconic buildings in Seattle, it faced a variety of challenges - in particular, how to preserve the rich history and vintage appearance of Seattle’s oldest skyscraper, while creating the safest, most efficient structure it could for its growing tenant base. by Dennis Van Milligen photos by Ron Acord Prior to going up, a small interactive museum helps give you all the history of the time the building was built (1911-1914).īuy advance tickets online or look out for the "happy hour" visiting times – or if you do the nearby Underground Tour, keep the ticket for discounted entry.Thyssenkrupp brings landmark Seattle building’s elevators into the 21st century. There is an outside area around the perimeter, and the inside lounge with bar is definitely old-world even the elevator is fun! To enjoy great 360-degree views of Seattle without paying the elaborate Space Needle fees. The tower's 35th floor also has the well known Chinese Room with its carved wood, porcelain ceiling, and elaborate Chinese wooden furniture. Smith Tower remains a sentimental favorite, however, and the views from the small Observation Deck is sweeping, taking in all four directions: waterfront, Pioneer Square, the mountains surrounding Seattle, etc. The distinction was gradually diluted until in 1962, its last remaining title – that of the tallest building in Seattle – was taken by the Space Needle. When it was completed in 1914, this was the tallest building outside New York. Goaded by the plans of a business rival, he then plotted the 42-story Smith Tower. Already wealthy from the sale of his gun company (later Smith & Wesson) and then his revolutionary new typewriter (later to be Smith Corona), Smith promptly bought several blocks around Main Street and 1st Avenue. At the end of the 19th century, an inventor named Lyman Cornelius Smith arrived in Seattle.
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