MYNORTHWEST NEWS

First the Space Needle, now Columbia Center touts its own revamp

Jul 21, 2018, 11:04 PM

columbia center...

The view from the Columbia Center observatory, which recently underwent a $25 million revamp. (Photo: MyNorthwest)

(Photo: MyNorthwest)

Seattle’s tall buildings appear to be involved in some sort of arms race at the moment. The Space Needle recently expanded its views with 11-foot-tall glass walls and slanted glass benches up top, and now the Columbia Center is touting its own renovations.

In a $25 million revamp, the Columbia Center added a new atrium at the Fourth Avenue entrance with an express elevator that now bypasses offices and takes you straight to the top in a 70-second, ear-popping trip.

RELATED: Space Needle offering sky-high jobs for minimum wages

If you find yourself getting bored in that brief ride, a video illustrating the history of Mount Rainier plays on three sides of the elevator walls. It’s a far cry from “Let’s all go to the lobby and get ourselves a treat.” You’ll have to sit through the same movie on the way down, but the Columbia Center is planning to show a different one. Hopefully they go with Die Hard or something.

What’s different at the top? Not the view, which expanded from 270 degrees to 360 in 2013, giving you a beautiful 902-foot-high panorama of Seattle’s endless construction. What is new are the touch-screens at different vantage points that highlight what you’re looking at like a pedantic friend, as well as an updated menu with local beers and Northwest-inspired bites. There are also new displays, which offer tips on taking photos through the pesky glass. So if you happen to leave the observatory with a bad picture, that’s all your fault.

Like a movie theater, the Sky View Observatory no longer allows outside food to be brought up top. But you could probably sneak up something from the food court if you’re smooth, or eat it at the bottom to get your strength for the tough ascent.

Columbia Center opened in 1985

Developed by billionaire Martin Selig and designed by Washington architect Chester L. Lindsey, the Columbia Center began construction in 1982 and was completed in 1985. The 1.5 million square foot skyscraper features 8,800 windows, 2,100 hydronic heat pumps, 48 elevators, six escalators, and a gift shop.

RELATED: The end of an era for Smith Tower elevator operators

With the Space Needle makeover, the Columbia Center renovations, and the 2016 Smith Tower revamp, it’s high time for people who want to look down on Seattle.

MyNorthwest News

Everett boy missing...

Frank Sumrall

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

50 minutes ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

10 hours ago

Photo: The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center....

James Lynch

King County’s plan to close youth detention center met with fierce backlash

The King County Law and Justice Committee received a final report on Executive Dow Constantine's plan to close a youth detention center.

12 hours ago

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

14 hours ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

14 hours ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

14 hours ago

First the Space Needle, now Columbia Center touts its own revamp