Once The Tallest Structure West Of The Mississippi, Washington's Space Needle Was A True Feat Of Engineering
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Jessica Wick
Author
The Seattle Space Needle just turned 60 years old. And whether you love it or despise it, you must admit, it has become synonymous with Washington for the majority of both visitors and locals. And while there are more impressive archeological structures in existence now, 60 years ago, the Needle was ahead of its time. In many ways, it still symbolizes what is possible.
Not only is it a dedicated Seattle landmark, it has seen a whopping 60 million visitors (and counting) since it opened to the public.
Carlson had been inspired by a recent visit to the Stuttgart Tower of Germany. Local architect John Graham, best known for designing the Northgate Mall, soon got involved with the project.
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With the World's Fair fast approaching, the construction team worked around the clock. The last elevator car was installed the day before the Fair opened on April 21.
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Currently, it isn't even the tallest structure in Seattle—that honor goes to the Columbia Center, which rises 937 feet and 76 stories high.
The new observation deck and the swanky new Loupe Lounge, which sits on the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, are must-sees.
And while tickets to the top aren't cheap, the sweeping views are well worth the cost.
Lifelong Washingtonians, do you remember your first time at the Space Needle?
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Space Needle, 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA