Seattle Tower, Art Deco skyscraper in Pioneer Square, Seattle, US
Seattle Tower is a 27-story Art Deco skyscraper in downtown Seattle, Washington. Its exterior is covered in terracotta tiles arranged in graduated tones, and the facade includes gargoyles, friezes, and carved ornamental details.
The building was completed in 1929, making it one of the early towers to shape the modern skyline of downtown Seattle. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which reflects its recognized role in the city's architectural story.
The building has gone by several names over the decades, starting as the Northern Life Tower before becoming Seattle Tower. Inside, original lobby details from the 1920s are still visible, giving a sense of how commercial spaces were designed to impress clients and tenants.
The tower stands in Seattle's central business district and is easy to reach on foot from most downtown points. Walking around the base of the building lets you take in the facade from different angles, which makes a real difference when looking at the tile gradations and carved details.
The terracotta tiles were deliberately chosen in a range of tones that grow lighter toward the top, making the tower appear taller than it actually is. This was a calculated design choice, not a coincidence, and it is one of the more thoughtful details of the building's exterior.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
