UW Tower, Office building in University District, Seattle, US
UW Tower is a tall office building in Seattle owned by the University of Washington that houses administrative areas and various departments. The building stands out in the University District with its distinctive shape formed by large columns at street level and earth-toned colors.
The building was constructed in 1975 by architectural firm NBBJ and originally served as headquarters for Safeco Insurance. The University of Washington purchased it in 2006 and has used it as an administrative center since then.
The tower's name changed from Safeco Building to UW Tower after the 2006 purchase. Today its offices house UW Information Technology, the Payroll Office, University Advancement and Professional and Continuing Education, alongside medical sciences departments. The complex also includes the Collegiana building, a 29-unit residential building.
The building is open during regular business hours, but visitors should expect security checks when entering. It helps to bring valid identification and check in advance which areas are accessible to visitors.
The tower's exterior mixes precast concrete with terracotta in earth tones chosen to match neighbouring buildings. It was designed by Robert Sowder of the Seattle firm Naramore, Bain, Brady and Johanson, now known as NBBJ. At 99 metres it is Seattle's tallest building outside Downtown.
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