Columbia Center

Columbia Center is a 76-story skyscraper in downtown Seattle with seven underground levels and glass facades rising nearly 295 meters into the sky. The structure houses office space, retail areas, and an observation platform accessible through 46 elevators.

Designed by Chester L. Lindsey Architects, the tower was constructed and opened between January and March of 1985 in just two months. It rose during a period of economic growth in Seattle and fundamentally changed the city skyline.

The annual Stairclimb event transforms the stairwell into a competition course for firefighters from across the country, who climb while wearing their gear and raising donations. The event takes place in spring and brings together thousands of participants climbing for medical research.

The observation deck offers wide views over the city, the bay, and surrounding mountains, and is open most days. Visitors should note that the building is an active office tower and some areas are accessible only to tenants.

Three concave facade surfaces and two stepped setbacks give the tower an unusual shape that sets it apart from the rectangular design of other high-rises. This architectural solution makes the building appear different depending on where the viewer stands.

Location: Seattle

Inception: January 12, 1985

Architects: Chester L. Lindsey Architects

Official opening: March 2, 1985

Floors above the ground: 76

Floors below the ground: 7

Elevators: 46

Height: 294.8 m

Made from material: glass

Address: 701 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, United States

Website: https://columbiacenterseattle.com

GPS coordinates: 47.60453,-122.33054

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:11