Smith Tower in Autumn

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A beautiful, crisp autumn day view of Smith Tower, the city's oldest sky scraper. From 1914 for nearly 50 years this was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The three story vaulted pyramid unit at the top, dubbed "The Lighthouse" once housed the building's water tower but was converted ten or fifteen years ago into an amazing living space which has been featured in several magazines (check out some photos here). At its center hangs a giant glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly, a friend of this unique condominium's owner. The Chinese Room and the 360 degree public observation deck sits just below and is a popular place for wedding receptions and to take in city and Sound views. The 12 floors below that had been office space but I heard last year that they are being developed into condos, each occupying an entire floor. The remaining 24 or so floors below those will remain office space, I believe. Maya, our photobug friend from Maya Photography: A Day in the Life, worked in Smith Tower for many years, and you might find some great interior shots in her archives. Would you believe each of those double hung windows really opens! Some of my favorite features are the cool elevators manned by operators and the vintage patterned white and blue tile floors upon which the floor numbers are noted and you see them as you ascend and descend. Hope you enjoy this photo of another Seattle icon. To see other autumn skies, check out Skywatch Friday.