Smith Tower: A Historic Seattle Experience

Smith Tower stands as Seattle’s oldest skyscraper and one of the most captivating historical landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a boater, historian, photographer, or beer enthusiast, this 1914 architectural marvel offers unique experiences that justify its place as a must-visit destination.

What Makes Smith Tower Special

For Boaters: The tower provides exceptional panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and the shipping lanes that connect Seattle to the world1 2.

From the 35th-floor observation deck, visitors can observe the maritime activity below, including ferries traversing Elliott Bay, colorful shipping containers, and port cranes3.

Across the bay in West Seattle, you see ALKI POINT where settlers in 1851 founded this city, named for the chief of the Duwamish people. To the far west, the OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS run north to south along the horizon.
Beyond is BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, and then the San Juan Islands stretching west and north to Canada. ELLIOTT BAY is Seattle’s harbor-the city’s entry to Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Pacific Ocean. WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES cross Elliott Bay, heading back and forth from Colman Dock over to Bainbridge Island and out to Bremerton on the Olympic Peninsula.

The tower’s position offers a unique vantage point to understand Seattle’s maritime heritage and current shipping operations4.

The meandering Duwamish River was transformed into the industrial DUWAMISH WATERWAY. This dredging was underway when Smith Tower opened. Cargo cranes rise from the HARBOR ISLAND and Elliott Bay shorelines. Harbor Island is manmade, completed in 1909. The PORT OF SEATTLE was organized in 1911. In 2015, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma merged to form the third-largest cargo port in the U.S. Built, burned, and then rebuilt, the neighborhood you see is PIONEER SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT, with most buildings dating from the 189Os.

For Historians: Smith Tower is a treasure trove of Seattle’s past, featuring exhibits that chronicle over 110 years of history5 6. The building showcases connections to radio, rum-running, and a host of interesting characters from Seattle’s early days7.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring L.C. Smith’s original typewriters and curated artifacts from the tower’s storied past8, while learning about the building’s role during Prohibition when it housed secret bars and served as a hub for bootlegging operations3 9.

For Photographers: The tower offers stunning 360-degree views from the open-air observation deck1 2, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities of Seattle’s skyline, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Range10.

The historic Chinese Room with its ornate teak ceiling and carved blackwood furniture provides an atmospheric interior setting2,

while the bronze-encased elevator cages and onyx-lined lobby offer architectural photography opportunities2 11.

For Beer Drinkers: The 35th-floor Observatory houses a speakeasy-style bar with Prohibition-inspired craft cocktails2 3.

The bar offers carefully crafted drinks with a pinch of Prohibition history, paying homage to Smith Tower’s rum-running roots7. Visitors can enjoy barrel-aged liquors and signature cocktails while taking in the breathtaking views6.

An evening at The Smith Tower — West Coast Aesthetic

Cucumbers and Cocktails at Smith Tower

Cucumbers are a notable ingredient in some of Smith Tower’s signature cocktails, valued for their refreshing, crisp flavor—especially in summer drinks. For example, the “Dry Squad” is a popular cocktail at the Observatory Bar, featuring vodka, muddled cucumber, lemon shrub, and soda, offering a cool and revitalizing option for bar patrons1. Cucumber is commonly used in mixology for its clean taste and ability to complement spirits like gin and vodka.

Prohibition-Era Drinks Served at Smith Tower

Smith Tower’s Observatory Bar is known for its Prohibition-inspired atmosphere and cocktail menu, which pays homage to the building’s rum-running and speakeasy history2 3 4.

Some of the drinks with roots in the Prohibition era or inspired by it include:

Scofflaw: Created in 1924, this cocktail mixes rye, dry vermouth, lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters, and is directly named after those who defied Prohibition laws5.
Yesler Old Fashioned: Made with rye from a local distillery, this drink is a twist on a classic that was popular during the Prohibition years1.
George’s Special: A blend of gin, apricot brandy, lemon juice, and a cherry, this cocktail is inspired by recipes from the 1930s speakeasy scene5.
Dry Squad: Vodka, muddled cucumber, lemon shrub, and soda—while not strictly a Prohibition classic, it fits the era’s style of refreshing, spirit-forward drinks1.

The bar also features a rotating selection of barrel-aged liquors and other cocktails that evoke the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s3 4.

Tour Pricing and Value

Smith Tower admission tickets cost $15-25 per person depending on the vendor and current promotions12 13 14.Washington state residents receive a $10 discount on Sunday-Thursday visits8, and there’s a $10 Game Day Deal for those presenting same-day sports tickets8. The experience includes access to both the Observatory Bar and historical exhibits8, making it a comprehensive cultural and entertainment offering.

The fee is absolutely worth it for several reasons: visitors experience one of the last manually operated elevators in the United States2, enjoy panoramic views that are less crowded than the Space Needle5, and receive educational value through immersive historical exhibits5. The combination of unique architectural features, historical significance, and stunning views provides exceptional value compared to other Seattle attractions1 2.

Ownership History and Current Status

Smith Tower has had a fascinating ownership history. Originally built by Lyman Cornelius Smith, the typewriter and shotgun magnate from Syracuse, New York15 6, the building remained under Smith family ownership into the 1940s15. Notable subsequent owners included Ivar Haglund of Ivar’s restaurant fame from 1976-198516 17, and the Samis Land Company in 201218.

Most recently, in August 2024, the tower was sold to GT Capital, a Seattle-based real estate holding company, leading a group of investors including prominent Seattle families, Freestone Capital Management, and Evergreen Ventures19 20.

The new owners purchased the building at what appears to be a significant discount from its 2019 sale price of $138 million19, though the exact purchase price has not been disclosed.

The tower is not currently for sale19. The new ownership group has stated their commitment to preserving the building’s unique charm while modernizing office spaces and enhancing the visitor experience20.

IVAR’S ACRES OF CLAMS has been a favorite local eatery since the 1930s. Founder Ivar Haglund, who actually owned Smith Tower from 1976 to 1985, also opened Seattle’s first aquarium on Pier 54, in 1938. SEATTLE’S GREAT WHEEL opened on the waterfront in 2012, nearly a century after Smith Tower. Built in 1911, the HOGE BUILDING, was the tallest building in Seattle prior to Smith Tower. It was the fastest built in its day-all 18 stories of framing completed in 30 days. Once, streetcars and wagons jockeyed for space on SECOND AVENUE; now it’s cars, buses, and bikes.

Views from the Tower

You can see the Rainier Club from Smith Tower. The Rainier Club is located at 810 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle21, making it visible from the tower’s observation deck given its proximity to the Pioneer Square area where Smith Tower is located.

The Rainier Club was formed in 188822 21, making it Seattle’s oldest private club, established when Washington was still a territory22. The club’s historic Tudor Revival clubhouse was completed in 190421, designed by Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter22.

THE ALASKA BUILDING opened in 1904, then considered Seattle’s premier skyscraper at 15 stories. The ambitious DEXTER HORTON BUILDING, honoring the Seattle pioneer banker, opened in 1924-a decade after Smith Tower-and reinforced the importance of the city’s financial district. The CENTRAL BUILDING was built in 1907. It included a “mob proof” armor-plated vault considered to be the strongest in the Pacific Northwest.
Take a look at SAFECO PLAZA, nearly hidden. When it opened in 1969, the building was instantly dubbed “the box the Space Needle came in.”

From the observation deck, visitors can see numerous Seattle landmarks including the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, the Great Wheel, Safeco Field, CenturyLink Field, Mount Rainier, downtown Seattle skyscrapers, and the Olympic Mountains1.

The Columbia Center, which is now Seattle’s tallest building, is clearly visible1.

Yes, Pier 66 and Bell Harbor are visible from the tower. Pier 66 houses the Bell Street Cruise Terminal and Bell Harbor Marina23 24, located on Seattle’s downtown waterfront at 2225 Alaskan Way24. The pier is home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises23 and features an 11-acre complex along the waterfront24.

The Historic Elevators and Their Operators

Smith Tower’s elevators are among the most interesting features for visitors. The building contains seven 110-year-old elevators that are works of art in themselves11. These bronze-toned wrought-iron birdcages line the hallway, enrobed in pearly Mexican onyx and topped by carved Native American chieftain heads11.

Until 2017, these elevators were manually operated, requiring skilled operators who learned the touch needed to prevent stopping between floors25 26. The elevator operators wore suits modeled after those worn when the building opened in 191427 and were considered part of the building’s historic character25.

Cecil Ivory was the most famous long-time elevator operator, working at Smith Tower from 1946 until his retirement in 1991 – a remarkable 45-year career28. When he started at age 19, elevator operators wore swallow-tailed coats and were considered the elite of their profession28. Ivory operated every elevator in the building and was known for his dedication to customer service28.

The elevators underwent modernization in 2017-2018, ending the 103-year tradition of manual operation25 26.However, one elevator operator is still maintained to preserve the historic significance and demonstrate the building’s heritage26 29.

The Penthouse

The Smith Tower penthouse is a unique two-story apartment located in the pyramid-shaped peak of the building27 30. The 2,128-square-foot space features one bedroom, a guest area, and 1.5 bathrooms30 31, with 24 triangular windows offering 360-degree views of Seattle10.

The penthouse rents for $17,000 per month27 30 and requires a minimum 12-month lease31. The space was renovated in the late 1990s by Graham Baba Architects30 32 and features a spiral staircase that leads to the glass globe at the very top of the tower30.

Venture capitalist Petra Franklin was the most notable recent resident, living in the penthouse for 20 years until 201927 33. The space is currently available for lease and represents the only private residence in the building31.

Walking Attractions Around Smith Tower

Smith Tower is located in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic first neighborhood and birthplace34 35. The area offers numerous walking attractions within easy reach:

Pioneer Square Park provides green space for relaxation and reflection34, while Occidental Park often hosts community events and gatherings34. The Waterfall Garden Park features a mesmerizing 22-foot waterfallproviding a peaceful urban oasis34.

To the south, magnificent MT. RAINIER rises 14,411 feet, the tallest mountain in Washington State. The mountain was central to the spiritual beliefs of Native people, and became an icon for settlers. T-MOBILE PARK opened in 1999, home to the MLB Seattle Mariners. Under its retractable stadium roof, fans are serenaded with train whistles. STARBUCKS CENTER is the coffee giant’s world headquarters. Built in 1912, the building originally housed the Sears, Roebuck and Company’s western catalog center. LUMEN FIELD was completed in 2002, and is the home stadium for the NFL Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks and the MLS Cup Champions Seattle Sounders.

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offers exhibits about Seattle’s gold rush history34, and King Street Station serves as a historic train station known for its architecture34. The Maynard Building stands as a historic architectural gem34.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House and provides a humorous 75-minute guided walking tour through the buried city36. The Trail to Treasure Walking Tour offers a self-guided exploration of Pioneer Square’s history with informational panels featuring historical photos and facts35.

The area also features numerous restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and nightlife options6, making it ideal for extended walking exploration of Seattle’s most historic neighborhood34.

Smith Tower represents more than just a building – it’s a gateway to understanding Seattle’s transformation from a frontier town to a major Pacific Northwest metropolis37 38. Whether you’re interested in maritime history, architectural photography, Prohibition-era stories, or simply enjoying craft cocktails with spectacular views, Smith Tower delivers an experience that uniquely combines education, entertainment, and breathtaking scenery in one of America’s most distinctive skyscrapers.