King County Courthouse

The King County Courthouse is a 14-story government building located at 516 Third Avenue in downtown Seattle that houses multiple courtrooms and administrative offices. The structure contains spaces dedicated to judicial proceedings and county administrative functions across its vertical expanse.

The courthouse originally opened in 1916 as a five-story building and expanded significantly over the next two decades as the county grew. The 1930s expansion added six floors, followed by additional construction that brought it to its current 14-story configuration.

The courthouse houses the King County Law Library, which serves as a research hub for legal professionals and the general public seeking to understand the law. This library draws people interested in accessing court records and legal information that shape decisions affecting the region.

All visitors must pass through security screening at the entrance, much like at an airport. The building is accessible by public transportation or by car using nearby parking options.

The building connects to neighboring government structures through underground tunnels and sky bridges, including a direct link to the county jail. These hidden passages allow for secure movement of detainees between court appearances without public visibility.

Location: Seattle

Inception: May 4, 1916

Architects: A. Warren Gould

Floors above the ground: 11

Address: 516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

GPS coordinates: 47.60278,-122.33056

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03