Smith Tower

Sorry for the lapse in postings. We have been really busy at work and getting ready for our coming trip to the orphanage in Mexico.

In the last two weeks, I have had the privilege of visiting the Smith Tower twice for work. The Smith Tower is a downtown Seattle icon with rich history. Providence (the organization where I work) has its system office located on the 1oth and 11th floors of the Smith Tower.

A little history -- the Smith Tower opened on July 4, 1914. At the time, it was the fourth tallest building in the world. It remained the tallest building west of the Mississippi River for almost 50 years. Today, it seems so small sitting among the other buildings within Seattle's downtown.

[the links below are virtual tours... too cool to miss. After the window loads, scroll your mouse around on the screen to get the whole view]

On the top floor of the tower is a special room called the Chinese Room. It has some incredible features, including an observation deck, hand-carved ceilings and a Chinese wishing chair (yes, I sat in it... and made a wish).

Another thing the tower is known for is its original old-fashioned elevators. You access the elevators from a beautiful, long, marble lobby as you enter the building. They are filled with brass and the elevator operators (yes, real elevator operators) wear fancy uniforms. The elevator doors are not sealed, so you can watch the levels pass and see how each floor is decorated in a different motif.

If you ever travel to Seattle it is definately worth a quick visit.