Seattle's Iconic Space Needle Unveils New Look And Visitor Experience

Iconic Space Needle, One of the World’s Most Recognizable Landmarks, Defies Science and Unveils New Look and Visitor Experience This Spring Renovated Structure Combines an Appreciation of History with Ultra-Modern Technology Seattle, Washington  One of the world’s most recognizable landmarks is currently undergoing a “spacelift,” a massive renovation aimed at delivering an ever-more-amazing visitor experience. Seattle’s Space Needle, which is second only to the Eiffel Tower in Paris as one of the most identifiable structures on the planet, will soon debut a whole new look from the inside without substantially changing its exterior appearance ... or the city skyline it has made so famous. From the images that often start an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” to the opening credits of the old sitcom “Frasier,” the Space Needle has firmly established itself as a pop culture icon. It’s served as the lair of Austin Powers’ nemesis, Dr. Evil, and is even said to have been the inspiration for George Jetson’s home. And just as the film “Sleepless in Seattle” marks its 25th anniversary in June, this legendary tower – which began as a doodle on a placemat or napkin (both stories are out there, and nobody is sure which is correct) and evolved into one of the most remarkable towers ever built – will be unveiling an entirely new look.

Space Needle Before Space Needle After

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle has always been a testament to ingenuity and innovation. It incorporated first-of-its-kind technology 56 years ago, and today’s construction crews, led by the vision of Seattle-based architectural firm Olson Kundig, are continuing to find clever ways to push every limit. With 11 different construction partners working six days a week, 20 hours a day, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “sleepless in Seattle.” But the end result will be something that even Hollywood’s finest screenwriters couldn’t have imagined. The renovation currently taking place is aimed at opening up the view from the Space Needle, but it’s also paying tribute to the building’s original conceptual sketches. What the tower’s designers envisioned back in 1962 was marvelous, but their dreams were constrained by the limits of the building materials and technology that existed at that time. Now, nearly six decades later, new things are possible ... like glass that’s stronger than steel. At least 176 tons of glass will be added to the upper, outer and lower observation levels, totaling approximately 17,000 square feet. Though every element of the $100 million renovation is a marvel, visitors will truly appreciate the installation of 48 open-air glass panels, each measuring 11 feet high, seven feet wide, and 2.5 feet thick and weighing a whopping 2,300 pounds. This new technology means that safety “cages” have been removed and replaced with a seamless sight line along a multi-level, floor-to-ceiling viewing experience. In short, from the moment guests step off the elevator that carries them to the observation deck, they’ll get a breathtaking, 360-degree view of Puget Sound beyond and below them. What modern-day visitors will see is 35 percent more expansive than the original technology allowed that view to be.                Those who dare to step outside to the open-air observation area can sit on sleek, attached glass benches that will tilt in such a way that they give visitors unparalleled views downward, allowing them to “dangle” their feet over Seattle. In reality, they’ll be facing inward, but it will truly feel as if they’re George Jetson himself, floating on air.                Back inside, an impressive circular stairway made of steel, wood and glass will connect the upper observation level to a lower level featuring the world’s first and only glass rotating floor observation deck and lounge. This jaw-dropping floor, which is comprised of 10 layers of glass weighing 37 tons, will open up a never-before-seen downward view of the Space Needle. This shot of the Space Needle, taken before renovation began, shows how it dominates Seattle’s skyline.                Those are just a few notable examples of how modern technology is being used to enhance the overall visitor experience. The Space Needle will also feature a state-of-the-art ADA lift that offers the first retracting stair platform lift in the United States, allowing those with limited mobility the opportunity to enjoy the expanded views, too.                In addition to finding ways to, say, move giant pieces of glass 520 feet into the air – and increasing the amount of glass in the structure by an amazing 196 percent – crews have also managed to keep the Space Needle open to guests during much of this renovation, the third in the tower’s history and the most expensive. Since the project began in September 2017, construction teams have divided the structure into six pie-shaped segments, working on one section at a time and allowing the rest of the Observation Deck to remain open to the public as many days as possible. In many ways, the impressive work schedule mimics what was done in the early 1960s, when crews erected the entire Space Needle in just 400 days.                Since its opening day all those years ago, the Space Needle has welcomed more than 60 million visitors. On average, 1.3 million people visit each year, all eager to see and experience the very latest innovation and ingenuity themselves.                For more information about the incredible changes happening at the Space Needle, please visit www.seewhatsup.space.

Travelore Tips: 14 Free Things To Do In Seattle

Over the past few decades, Seattle has changed from a small, relatively ignored Pacific Northwestern city into a bustling metropolis filled with gourmet restaurants, top-quality culture, and a plethora of high-quality, high-end things to do.

Unfortunately, with a rising profile come rising prices, and Seattle can be expensive. Look in the right places, though, and there are still plenty of great ways to spend time in Emerald City without spending a penny. Here’s our selection of 14 totally free events happening across town over the year.

1. Explore Pike Place Market

Pin this imageClassically Seattle, Pike Place Market is a free must-see. Image by Richard Cummins / Getty

Touristy, but justifiably so, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s top sights and absolutely free – except for the money you’ll be tempted to spend here. The range of stalls, from fishmongers and florists to food, demonstrates the Port of Seattle’s importance and why it became such a valuable jewel in the Pacific Northwest’s crown. Any day of the year this is a great place to shop and people-watch.

2. Relax a moment in Waterfall Garden Park

Waterfall Garden Park was one of Seattle’s first small ‘parklets’ or ‘pocket parks.’ Tucked quietly into the Pioneer Square neighborhood, it has a 22ft waterfall and is a great spot to take a break during a busy day of sightseeing.

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3. Tour the Frye Art Museum

In addition to free admission and parking, Frye Art Museum provides complimentary tours throughout the week. On your own or with a guide, explore the rotating collections of 19th- and 20th-century American, French, and German paintings and sculptures.

4. Stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park

Pin this imageThe Eagle with the Space Needle in the background at Olympic Sculpture Park. Image by Richard Cummins / Getty

The Space Needle isn’t the only large-scale metal construction in the city; Olympic Sculpture Park, managed by the Seattle Art Museum, is home to over a dozen large artworks, with access free and open to the public every day from dawn until dusk. From the sweeping red Eagle to the unusual Echo, this is a great place to partake of Seattle’s art-loving culture.

5. Wander through Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, are more than just an effective link for ships moving between Puget Sound and lakes Union and Washington. In addition to watching the parade of boats using the locks to traverse the waterways, another popular activity is sea-life spotting at the fish ladder section of the locks.

6. Join the Silent Reading Party

The first Wednesday of every month, the Sorrento Hotel turns their Fireside Room into a social-yet-quiet literary occasion, when a mix of people claim the couches and armchairs to consume great written work. Everyone is welcome but the event is popular, so it’s worth putting a standing event on your calendar so you don’t forget to turn up early and snag a spot.

7. Take an urban hike at Discovery Park

Pin this imageDiscovery Park at sunset. Image by David Hogan / Getty

Covering 534 acres near the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park provides a variety of terrains for those wanting a bit of outdoor time in the heart of the city. Choose between forested trails, the rocky beach and exploring the West Point Lighthouse – as far west as you can be within the city limits. All are free and beautifully preserved by the city for your enjoyment.

8. Take an art walk

Throughout the summer months, Seattle’s neighborhoods take turns opening their gallery doors for the artistic-minded to explore at will. Pioneer Square (pioneersquare.org) galleries open the first Thursday, Belltown (belltownartwalk.com) hosts on the second Friday each month and Capitol Hill’s event (capitolhillartwalk.com) is on the second Thursday. In addition to free gallery access, many local businesses hold daily specials for these nights, making them perfect for a cheap evening out.

9. Take in a Ladies Musical Club performance

The Ladies Musical Club (www.lmcseattle.org) exists to further interest in classical music in Seattle through free performances throughout the city. From West Seattle to Wallingford, this women-only group selects and produces a variety of classical music styles, staging shows in smaller, community venues.

10. Get the locals’ view of the skyline

Pin this imageThe steampunk-esque Gas Works Park contains the remnants of the last coal gasification plant in the US – plus great views of the city. Image by Christian Kober / Getty

There are far cheaper ways to take in the Seattle skyline than by forking out for the Space Needle. Enjoy the view over Lake Union from Gas Works Park while families and dogs frolic on the grassy hills, or contemplate the free but priceless panorama of the entire skyline (Space Needle included) from Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill.

11. Share your works in progress

On the first and third Monday of every month, the mics at Hugo House (http://hugohouse.org) are open to any and all writers in the city through an event called Works in Progress. Listeners are also welcome, though we’ve heard that the stories are not necessarily family friendly – it is a public open mic night after all!

12. Get some exercise

Pin this imageWith miles of trails, Seattle is an excellent place for runners and bikers. Image by Greg Vaughn / Getty

With the great outdoors on their doorstep it’s no surprise that Seattleites love their exercise, and there are plenty of ways to get some – many of them free. If you need somewhere to get back in cycling shape, try a few circuits on the Green Lake Park 2.8mi loop; while runners should head for Myrtle Edwards Park and hit the paths along the shores of Elliot Bay.

13. Get cultural at the Seattle Center

Nearly every weekend of the year, the Seattle Center plays host to a variety of events, including many cultural festivals collectively known as Festál. From the Irish Festival in March to the Polish Festival in July and CroatiaFest in October, you can immerse yourself in ethnic food, dance, and celebration, all without spending a dime on admission.

14. Watch the sunset or light your own fire

Pin this imageThe Seattle skyline with Mt. Rainier in the distance. Image by Aaron Eakin / Getty

Pyromaniacs can indulge their firey tendencies in Golden Gates Park, one of the few public parks that allows open fires (in designated areas). The park also provides one of the best views for sunsets on those days where Seattle is graced with a cloudless sky. The only thing you’ll spend is time deciding on your favorite location to enjoy the moment.

Contributed by Valerie Stimac

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