Remembered as Seattle’s first Art Deco skyscraper, the Seattle Tower stands before us. Originally called the Northern Life Tower, it’s a 27-story testament to a bygone era. Let’s delve into its fascinating history.
The Seattle Tower is located at 1218 Third Avenue. It marked a dramatic shift in Seattle’s skyline. Earlier buildings drew from classical styles. But the Seattle Tower embraced modernity. It reflected the speed and power of technology.
The Northern Life Insurance Company was founded by D. B. and T. M. Morgan. They started with modest assets and a small office. As their firm grew, D. B. Morgan envisioned something grander. He wanted a building finer than any on the Pacific Coast. Construction began in 1928 and was completed in March 1929. The original plan was for 24 stories. It was increased to 27 stories.
The Seattle Tower was one floor higher above sea level than the Smith Tower. The Smith Tower was previously known as the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The Seattle Tower cost about $1.5 million.
Notice the Seattle Tower’s ziggurat exterior. It’s clad in 33 shades of brick. This creates a gradient effect. The bricks lighten from bottom to top. This design was inspired by local rock formations.
Imagine the Seattle Tower illuminated at night. More than 200 floodlights created a “phantasmagoric display”. It imitated the aurora borealis. This was a nod to the Northern Life Insurance Company’s name. It showed a belief that science could imitate nature.
The Seattle Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is also a designated city landmark.
Abraham H. Albertson designed the Seattle Tower. He worked with Joseph W. Wilson and Paul D. Richardson. Albertson was also responsible for construction in the University Tract. The Great Northern Railway tunnel runs under the Seattle Tower’s foundation.
Inside, the grand lobby once housed a drugstore and a bank. The lobby featured dark marble and brass decorations. A large brass bas-relief map of the Pacific Ocean adorned the back wall.
The Northern Life Tower became known as the Seattle Tower in 1967. Over the years, it has been restored to maintain its original glory. The main restoration works happened in 1999, 2017 and 2021.
The Seattle Tower remains an elegant example of Art Deco architecture. Its unique design and history make it a standout landmark. It reminds us of Seattle’s past. It embodies the spirit of innovation.