Top of the World
Built in 1962, the Space Needle has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.Built in 1962, the Space Needle has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Located in Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 Expo and was immediately a resounding success.
This particular tower is approximately 184 feet tall, 50 feet at its widest point, and weighs over 9,550 tons. When it was completed it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi and was built to withstand gusts of wind and strong earthquakes. The tower also has 25 lightning rods to prevent such events.
The Space Needle has an observation deck located at a height of 160 meters and a gift store with a rotating restaurant (known as "SkyCity restaurant") at 152 meters.
From the top of the Needle, it is possible to view not only the Downtown Seattle skyline, but also the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliot Bay and the surrounding islands.
Seattle skyline photographers often show the Space Needle in a prominent position, appearing even taller than the other skyscrapers, as well as compared to Mount Rainier in the background.
This effect occurs because the tower, which is as tall as a 60-story building, is 1.3 miles northwest of most skyscrapers.
