Ever wonder what it feels like to stand beneath Seattle’s tallest skyscraper outside of downtown? That’s the UW Tower. Completed in 1975, the University of Washington Tower stands proud in the University District. It’s more than just a building. It’s a landmark.
Originally, this 22-story structure wasn’t known as the UW Tower. It was built as Safeco Plaza. It served as the headquarters for Safeco Insurance. For years, locals simply called it the Safeco Building. The architectural firm NBBJ designed the tower. The building reaches a height of 99 meters. That is 325 feet.
Imagine the Seattle skyline in 1975. The UW Tower redefined it. It became the tallest building outside the city center. Its presence symbolized growth. It marked progress.
In 2006, a significant change occurred. Safeco sold the building to the University of Washington for $130 million. A year later, Safeco moved out. The University of Washington took over. The purchase included more than just the tower. It included three adjacent buildings. There was a residential building with 29 units. It also included two parking garages and two surface parking lots. Today, the university’s property includes the UW Tower, Buildings A, C, O, and S, the Collegiana building, two garages, and two surface lots.
The UW Tower isn’t just an architectural marvel. It’s a hub of activity. More than 2,000 University of Washington employees work here. Over 65 different departments occupy its floors.
Robert Sowder of Naramore, Bain, Brady and Johanson designed the tower. The exterior features a mix of precast concrete and terracotta elements. These earth tones match other buildings in the area. Octagonal columns support the tower. They rise from the street-level plaza.
Various schools and departments at the University of Washington have offices in the UW Tower. UW Information Technology is here. So is the UW Payroll Office. You’ll also find University Advancement and Professional and Continuing Education.
Next time you’re in the U-District, take a moment to appreciate the UW Tower. It is more than a building. It’s a symbol of Seattle’s past and present. It stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving story. The UW Tower connects the university to the city.