206.624.0414 
May 1899
Lyman Cornelius Smith purchases the odd-shaped lot at 2nd & Yesler in Downtown Seattle.
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History
More lore than you can shake a cocktail shaker at.
Visit Today: Tickets from $18+ for Locals
506 2nd Ave, Seattle
Historic 35th Floor Observatory
our story
A Tradition of Incredible Stories
From the daring days of Prohibition rum-running to the building’s status as a city icon, and all the typewriter magnates, royalty ties, ghost stories, and legendary visitors in between, Smith Tower is a place that has seen Seattle through all its ups, downs, and sideways.
And we wouldn’t trade it for all the glassy new skyscrapers in the world.
Some buildings may be taller, some may be sleeker, but Smith Tower is unmatched in incredible stories and colorful history.
milestones
timeline
18
99
99
1909
Smith begins plans for a 14-story building for the lot. Smith’s son convinces him to build a much taller skyscraper to steal the crown from Tacoma’s National Realty Building as tallest west of the Mississippi River.
19
09
09
February 1910
Architect Edwin H. Gaggin arrives in Seattle with blueprints for a 26-story building, highest west of the Mississippi and outside New York City.
19
10
10
June 1910
L.C. announces construction of unheard 40-floor building on the condition that Seattle’s city hall and civic center not be moved from the adjoining block.
October 1910
B.L. Smith and E.H. Gaggin return to Seattle with final plans for a 467-foot, 42-story, building.
February 24, 1911
The final building permit is issued for Smith Tower.
19
11
11
September 5, 1911
The final contracts for general construction and excavation were signed by the New York-based Whitney-Steen Company. They would, in turn, contract the American Bridge Company to provide and assemble the frame.
November 1, 1911
Selective demolition begins, marking the official start of construction.
February 15, 1913
The final rivet of the building’s frame is driven.
19
13
13
July 4, 1914
Smith Tower officially opens to the public. L.C. Smith did not live to see the construction begin, but his namesake building was completed to a height of 469 feet with a pinnacle height of 522 feet.
Over 4,000 Seattleites traveled to the 35th floor Observatory in the original Otis elevator.
19
14
14
our tours
Tours at Smith Tower
Immerse yourself in the history of a local icon. Learn all about the epic events and colorful characters