Smith Tower – The Penthouse Suite

photo by by Dizzy Atmosphere

Smith Tower was built in 1914, and named after the guy from Smith Corona -  you know, typewriters and guns?  His name was Lyman Cornelius Smith and he set out to build the tallest building in Seattle.  That sort of went out the window when they built the Space Needle, but ol’ Lyman was long gone by then, so he didn’t care.  In fact, he didn’t live to see Smith Tower built either, but it certainly is a magnificent piece of Seattle architecture.

Architecture notwithstanding, it’s size and structure are not the only cool things about Smith Tower.  See, in a building full of offices, it has a surprise at the top – a three-story penthouse apartment.

Originally the top of Smith Tower held a very large water tank and a very small caretaker’s apartment.  During a 1990’s renovation the tank was removed, and a gloriously large space was revealed.  A very rich person leased said space, and got renowned architects Castanes Architects to redesign the inside of the pyramid.

What is left is a funhouse of ladders and stairs in a breathtaking three-story space that is filled with valuable artwork and very unique custom furniture.  All the original catwalks that were used to service the water tank are still there, and wind around the pointy-ceilinged place.  At the very top there is a glass ball that is supposed to offer this amazing view of the city.  No picture on the internet, so apparently it’s a well-kept secret.  Makes you want visit, doesn’t it?