Destinations: Smith Tower

Smith Tower
Seattle Municipal Archives 2884

From HistoryLink 

One hundred years ago this week, on July 4, 1914, crowds in Seattle gazed up in awe at the L. C. Smith Building, which had just opened to the public. 

Named for the founder of the Smith-Corona typewriter empire, the skyscraper was built on land sold to the Smiths -- who lived in Syracuse, New York -- in the 1890s by real estate mogul James Clise. It wasn't until L. C. Smith died in 1910 that his son moved forward with his father's plans to build a towering spire overlooking Pioneer Square.

As part of the 100th anniversary celebration, the Smith Tower is charging the original price for the elevator ride to the 35th level observation floor - to 25 cents - for this weekend only, through July 6, 2014.

From the Smith Tower webpage: Observation Deck Info and Calendar

The Chinese Room and Observation Deck at Smith Tower, once the tallest building on the West Coast, have offered Seattle’s best views to the public for 100 years.  Our elevator operators will whisk you in an old-fashioned copper and brass elevator car to the 35th floor where you’ll step into the past as you explore the historic Chinese Room. 

Engross yourself in the newspaper headlines of 1910 when Smith Tower was just a lofty idea, or soak up the good luck of the room by taking a seat in the Wishing Chair.  Guests are welcome to enjoy the sights of Seattle from inside – just in case you arrived on one of our famous Seattle rainy days – or outside on the Observation Deck that provides 360° views of the city. 

From every angle you’ll see the best of Seattle, including the Space Needle, Great Wheel, Columbia Center, sports stadiums, Pioneer Square, and the International District, as well as our natural surroundings, including Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. Ticket sales close 20 minutes prior to posted closing time.

Smith Tower, 506 2nd Ave, Seattle 98104

The website for the Smith Tower has a "then and now" panorama view that you control with your cursor - and a lot current and historical information about the iconic tower.