Smith Tower going condo…
Reba Haas on 08 17, 2007
Well, we’d heard about it before but we weren’t sure if it would get approved. Seattle’s Smith Tower, an icon of the city with its copper elevators, is going condo. The landmark will have the zoning for it change from office building to condominium and chances are good they won’t be your typical condo conversion since the article in the Seattle Times notes, “a prevailing number of them were swayed by a desire to have more upscale residences in Pioneer Square.” “Them” being the folks at the Pioneer Square Preservation Board. An article is also posted in the online version of Seattle PI from back in July.
It will be a while till the conversion is even started but in the meantime we’re wondering what the means for the couple that have been living in the top 3 stories of the tower – yes, that pointed top of the building has been an apartment that has even been highlighted in several home magazines over the years. You have to scroll down on this link to photos of the architect’s (Castanes Architects) work.
I wonder how the neighbors at Union Gospel Mission will view the direct comparison of poverty to prestige. Perhaps it will bring a new flood of donations to the organization due to increased visibility. We can hope.
About the Author: Rebecca Haas
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4 Responses to “Smith Tower going condo…”
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I actually think this is a cool idea, as long as they keep the observation deck + Chinese room open to the public.
If the Smith tower is no longer “functional” as an office building (too hard to attract the right amount of tenants because of the limited size floor plates) then by all means, they should turn it into something people will want to inhabit.
And the building is cool looking (with the tile, elevators, exterior architecture).
Of course I have no opinion on whether people will actually buy the condos (I know I certainly couldn’t afford anything marked as “luxury” condos in Seattle).
I was wondering the same thing about the penthouse. I’ve been in there for a party, and it’s an amazing living space. I’d hate to see anything happen to it with the conversion.
Oooh, that’s right, I’ve been in the Chinese Room for a Xmas party ages ago and it was very cool and would be a nice space for the public still, however, I’ll bet it will be limited to private parties and/or become the party room for the luxury condo owners. Good question though….
What if we put the mission in those top 3 floors, and had HOA dues pay for food, etc…?