Revision as of 04:23, 16 February 2024 editMyasuda (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers61,402 editsm Reverted 2 edits by 24.17.116.252 (talk) to last revision by 172.1.88.240Tags: Twinkle Undo← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 11:17, 29 December 2024 edit undo2001:569:74e3:4000:59a0:57e6:63f1:6017 (talk)No edit summary | ||
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| designation1_number = | | designation1_number = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| address = 400 Broad Street<br />{{nowrap|], |
| address = 400 Broad Street<br />{{nowrap|]}}<br />98109 | ||
| coordinates = {{Coord|47.6204|-122.3491|region:US-WA_type:landmark|name=Space Needle|display=inline,title}} | | coordinates = {{Coord|47.6204|-122.3491|region:US-WA_type:landmark|name=Space Needle|display=inline,title}} | ||
| status = Complete | | status = Complete | ||
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| completion_date = December 8, 1961 | | completion_date = December 8, 1961 | ||
| opening = April 21, 1962 | | opening = April 21, 1962 | ||
| building_type = ] | | building_type = ] / ] | ||
| antenna_spire = {{convert|184.404|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} | | antenna_spire = {{convert|184.404|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} | ||
| top_floor = {{convert|158|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} | | top_floor = {{convert|158|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} | ||
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| cost = | | cost = | ||
| floor_area = <!-- {{convert||sqft|abbr=on}} --> | | floor_area = <!-- {{convert||sqft|abbr=on}} --> | ||
| |
| architecture_firm = ] | ||
| structural_engineer = John K. Minasian<br> ] | | structural_engineer = John K. Minasian<br> ] | ||
| main_contractor = Howard S. Wright Construction Co. | | main_contractor = Howard S. Wright Construction Co. | ||
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| owner = Space Needle Corporation | | owner = Space Needle Corporation | ||
| management = | | management = | ||
| references = <ref>{{ctbuh|9603}}</ref><ref name="emporis">{{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/119476 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708162253/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/119476 |url-status= |
| references = <ref>{{ctbuh|9603}}</ref><ref name="emporis">{{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/119476 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708162253/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/119476 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |title=Emporis building ID 119476 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{glasssteelandstone|580}}</ref><ref>{{skyscraperpage|1294}}</ref><ref>{{structurae|20000285}}</ref> | ||
| highest_region = ] and ] | | highest_region = ] and ] | ||
| highest_reflabel = emporis | | highest_reflabel = emporis | ||
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| highest_start = 1962 | | highest_start = 1962 | ||
| highest_end = 1969 | | highest_end = 1969 | ||
| highest_next = ] | | highest_next = ] | ||
| website = {{URL|https://www.spaceneedle.com/}} | | website = {{URL|https://www.spaceneedle.com/}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Space Needle''' is an ] in ], |
The '''Space Needle''' is an ] in ], United States. Considered to be an icon of the city, it has been designated a ]. Located in the ] neighborhood, it was built in the ] for the ], which drew over 2.3 million visitors. | ||
At {{convert|605|ft|abbr=on}} high the Space Needle was once the ] west of the ]. The tower is {{convert|138|ft|abbr=on}} wide, weighs {{convert|9550|ST|MT|lk=on|abbr=off}}, and is built to withstand winds of up to {{cvt|200|mph}} and ]s of up to 9.0 magnitude, as strong as the ]. | At {{convert|605|ft|abbr=on}} high, the Space Needle was once the ] west of the ]. The tower is {{convert|138|ft|abbr=on}} wide, weighs {{convert|9550|ST|MT|lk=on|abbr=off}}, and is built to withstand winds of up to {{cvt|200|mph}} and ]s of up to 9.0 magnitude, as strong as the ]. | ||
Elevators take visitors to an observation deck {{convert|520|ft|abbr=on}} above ground in 41 seconds, which offers panoramic views of the ] skyline, the ] and ], ], ], ], and various islands in ]. On April 19, 1999, the city's Landmarks Preservation Board designated the tower a historic landmark. | Elevators take visitors to an observation deck {{convert|520|ft|abbr=on}} above ground in 41 seconds, which offers panoramic views of the ] skyline, the ] and ], ], ], ], and various islands in ]. On April 19, 1999, the city's Landmarks Preservation Board designated the tower a historic landmark. | ||
==Architecture== | ==Architecture== | ||
] ( |
] (Toronto), ] (Chicago), ] (Las Vegas), Space Needle]] | ||
The architecture of the Space Needle is the result of a compromise between the designs of two people, Edward E. Carlson and John Graham, Jr. The two leading ideas for the World Fair involved businessman ]'s sketch (on a napkin)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carlson, Edward "Eddie" E. (1911-1990)|url=http://www.historylink.org/File/7202|access-date=2021-11-11|website=HistoryLink}}</ref> of a giant ] tethered to the ground (the gently sloping base) and architect ]'s concept of a ] (that houses the restaurant and observation deck). ] introduced the hourglass profile of the tower.<ref>{{cite book |first=Bill |last=Speidel |title=Through the Eye of the Needle |year=1989 |location=Seattle |publisher=Nettle Creek |isbn=0914890042 |pages= |quote=The final design... was either John Graham's... or Victor Steinbrueck's, who took the trouble of calling me from his deathbed to make sure I didn't credit Graham. |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/througheyeofneed0000spei/page/6}}</ref> The Space Needle was built to withstand ]-plus wind speeds of {{cvt|200|mph}}, double the requirements in the building code of 1962, swaying only {{convert|1|inch}} per {{convert|10|mph}} of wind speed.{{cn|date=November 2023}} | The architecture of the Space Needle is the result of a compromise between the designs of two people, Edward E. Carlson and John Graham, Jr. The two leading ideas for the World Fair involved businessman ]'s sketch (on a napkin)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carlson, Edward "Eddie" E. (1911-1990)|url=http://www.historylink.org/File/7202|access-date=2021-11-11|website=HistoryLink}}</ref> of a giant ] tethered to the ground (the gently sloping base) and architect ]'s concept of a ] (that houses the restaurant and observation deck). ] introduced the hourglass profile of the tower and its tripod design, which resembles the ] that Seattle is situated on.<ref>{{cite book |first=Bill |last=Speidel |title=Through the Eye of the Needle |year=1989 |location=Seattle |publisher=Nettle Creek |isbn=0914890042 |pages= |quote=The final design... was either John Graham's... or Victor Steinbrueck's, who took the trouble of calling me from his deathbed to make sure I didn't credit Graham. |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/througheyeofneed0000spei/page/6}}</ref><ref name="Crosscut-Podcast">{{cite podcast |last=Berger |first=Knute |author-link=Knute Berger |date=August 29, 2022 |title=Northwest Reports: Who really designed the Space Needle? |time=19:30 |url=https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut-reports/1/1/podcast-who-really-designed-space-needle |website=] |accessdate=June 13, 2024}}</ref> The Space Needle was built to withstand ]-plus wind speeds of {{cvt|200|mph}}, double the requirements in the building code of 1962, swaying only {{convert|1|inch}} per {{convert|10|mph}} of wind speed.{{cn|date=November 2023}} | ||
While the 2001 6.8 {{M|w}} ] jolted the Needle enough for water to slosh out of the toilets in the restrooms, the structure is designed to avoid serious structural damage in earthquakes of magnitudes below 9.1.{{ |
While the 2001 6.8 {{M|w}} ] jolted the Needle enough for water to slosh out of the toilets in the restrooms, the structure is designed to avoid serious structural damage in earthquakes of magnitudes below 9.1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Needle Facts |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/facts-1 |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Space Needle |language=en}}</ref> | ||
For decades, the hovering disk of the Space Needle was home to two restaurants {{convert|500|ft|abbr=on}} above the ground: the Space Needle Restaurant, which was originally named Eye of the Needle, and Emerald Suite. These were closed in 2000 to make way for ], a larger restaurant that features Pacific Northwest cuisine, which closed in 2017. In 1993, the elevators were replaced with new computerized versions. The new elevators descend at a rate of {{cvt|10|mph}}. | For decades, the hovering disk of the Space Needle was home to two restaurants {{convert|500|ft|abbr=on}} above the ground: the Space Needle Restaurant, which was originally named Eye of the Needle, and Emerald Suite. These were closed in 2000 to make way for ], a larger restaurant that features Pacific Northwest cuisine, which closed in 2017. In 1993, the elevators were replaced with new computerized versions. The new elevators descend at a rate of {{cvt|10|mph}}. | ||
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On ], 1999, a powerful beam of light was unveiled for the first time. Known as the Legacy Light or Skybeam, it is powered by lamps that total 85 million ] shining skyward from the top of the Space Needle to honor national holidays and special occasions in Seattle. The concept of this beam was derived from the official 1962 World's Fair poster, which depicted such a light source although none was incorporated into the original design. It is somewhat controversial because of the ] it creates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Groundbreaking for the Space Needle is held in Seattle on April 17, 1961. |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/722|access-date=November 2, 2021 |website=HistoryLink}}</ref> Originally planned to be turned on 75 nights per year, it has generally been used fewer than a dozen times per year. It did remain lit for eleven days in a row from September 11, 2001, to September 22, 2001, in response to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Seattle Space Needle |work=Emerald City Journal |url=https://www.emeraldcityjournal.com/2013/06/seattle-space-needle/|access-date=November 2, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=November 2021}} | On ], 1999, a powerful beam of light was unveiled for the first time. Known as the Legacy Light or Skybeam, it is powered by lamps that total 85 million ] shining skyward from the top of the Space Needle to honor national holidays and special occasions in Seattle. The concept of this beam was derived from the official 1962 World's Fair poster, which depicted such a light source although none was incorporated into the original design. It is somewhat controversial because of the ] it creates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Groundbreaking for the Space Needle is held in Seattle on April 17, 1961. |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/722|access-date=November 2, 2021 |website=HistoryLink}}</ref> Originally planned to be turned on 75 nights per year, it has generally been used fewer than a dozen times per year. It did remain lit for eleven days in a row from September 11, 2001, to September 22, 2001, in response to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Seattle Space Needle |work=Emerald City Journal |url=https://www.emeraldcityjournal.com/2013/06/seattle-space-needle/|access-date=November 2, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=November 2021}} | ||
A 1962 Seattle World's Fair poster<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p-RP8efQaTk/TECrJ8jbI0I/AAAAAAAAATE/d2T8sVz95kI/s1600/Seattle+Space+Needle.jpg |title='Seattle World's Fair' poster}}</ref> showed a grand spiral entryway leading to the ] that was ultimately omitted from final building plans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://durangonorthwest.blogspot.com/2010/07/seattle-space-needle.html |title=Durango Washington: Seattle Space Needle |first=Durango |last=Northwest |date=July 16, 2010}}</ref> The main stairwell has 848 steps from the basement to the top of the observation deck.<ref name="Funfacts">{{cite web |date= |title=Space Needle |url=http://www.u-s-history.com|access-date= |publisher=}}</ref> | A 1962 Seattle World's Fair poster<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p-RP8efQaTk/TECrJ8jbI0I/AAAAAAAAATE/d2T8sVz95kI/s1600/Seattle+Space+Needle.jpg |title='Seattle World's Fair' poster}}</ref> showed a grand spiral entryway leading to the ] that was ultimately omitted from final building plans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://durangonorthwest.blogspot.com/2010/07/seattle-space-needle.html |title=Durango Washington: Seattle Space Needle |first=Durango |last=Northwest |date=July 16, 2010}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2024}} The main stairwell has 848 steps from the basement to the top of the observation deck.<ref name="Funfacts">{{cite web |date= |title=Space Needle |url=http://www.u-s-history.com|access-date= |publisher=}}</ref> | ||
At approximately {{convert|605|ft|abbr=on}}, the Space Needle was the tallest building west of the ] at the time it was built by ] Construction Co., but is now dwarfed by other structures along the Seattle skyline alone, among them the ], at {{convert|967|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/building/columbiacenter-seattle-wa-usa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105110850/http://www.emporis.com/building/columbiacenter-seattle-wa-usa |url-status= |
At approximately {{convert|605|ft|abbr=on}}, the Space Needle was the tallest building west of the ] at the time it was built by ] Construction Co., but is now dwarfed by other structures along the Seattle skyline alone, among them the ], at {{convert|967|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/building/columbiacenter-seattle-wa-usa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105110850/http://www.emporis.com/building/columbiacenter-seattle-wa-usa |url-status=usurped |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |title=Columbia Center |author=Emporis GmbH}}</ref> Unlike many other similar structures, such as the ] in Toronto, the Space Needle is not used for broadcasting purposes. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
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] under construction, 1961]] | ] under construction, 1961]] | ||
Edward E. Carlson, chairman of the 1962 ] in Seattle, had an idea for erecting a tower with a restaurant at the World's Fair. The president of |
Edward E. Carlson, chairman of the 1962 ] in Seattle, had an idea for erecting a tower with a restaurant at the World's Fair. The president of ], he had been inspired by a recent visit to the ] in ].<ref name="Chicago-1983">{{cite news |last=Cross |first=Robert |date=January 13, 1983 |title=Seattle's Needle makes point: Fair city can be a better city |at=sec. 4, p. 1 |work=] |id={{ProQuest|170572256}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Groundbreaking for the Space Needle is held in Seattle on April 17, 1961. |url=http://www.historylink.org/File/722|access-date=November 2, 2021 |website=HistoryLink}}</ref> Local architect John Graham soon became involved as a result of his success in designing ]. Graham's first move was to alter the restaurant's original design to a ], similar to his previous design of the ] tower restaurant at the ] in ].{{cn|date=June 2024}} Among the names proposed for the structure by Carlson, Graham, and Steinbrueck were the "Space Needle", "Star Tickler", "Top Hat", and "Big ]".<ref name="Crosscut-Podcast"/> | ||
The proposed Space Needle had no pre-selected site. Since it was not financed by the city, land had to be purchased within the fairgrounds. The investors had been unable to find suitable land and the search for a site was nearly dead when, in 1961, they discovered a lot, {{convert|120|by|120|ft|abbr=on}}, containing switching equipment for the fire and police alarm systems. The land, which originally had the neighborhood's fire station until 1921, was sold by the city for $75,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNerthney |first=Casey |date=August 5, 2010 |title=How a fire station led to Seattle's Space Needle |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/2010/08/05/how-a-fire-station-led-to-seattles-space-needle/ |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218203835/http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/2010/08/05/how-a-fire-station-led-to-seattles-space-needle/ |archive-date=February 18, 2011 |accessdate=August 12, 2022}}</ref> At this point, only one year remained before the World's Fair would begin. The Needle was privately financed and built by the Pentagram Corporation, consisting of ], contractor ], architect ], ], and ]. In 1977 Bagley, Skinner, and Clapp sold their interest to the Howard Wright Company, which now controls it under the name of Space Needle Corporation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceneedle.com/discover/funfacts.html |title=Mysteries revealed |website=Space Needle |access-date=April 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426153357/http://www.spaceneedle.com/discover/funfacts.html |archive-date=April 26, 2011}}</ref> | The proposed Space Needle had no pre-selected site. Since it was not financed by the city, land had to be purchased within the fairgrounds. The investors had been unable to find suitable land and the search for a site was nearly dead when, in 1961, they discovered a lot, {{convert|120|by|120|ft|abbr=on}}, containing switching equipment for the fire and police alarm systems. The land, which originally had the neighborhood's fire station until 1921, was sold by the city for $75,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNerthney |first=Casey |date=August 5, 2010 |title=How a fire station led to Seattle's Space Needle |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/2010/08/05/how-a-fire-station-led-to-seattles-space-needle/ |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218203835/http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/2010/08/05/how-a-fire-station-led-to-seattles-space-needle/ |archive-date=February 18, 2011 |accessdate=August 12, 2022}}</ref> Geotechnical engineers quickly tested and approved the site for construction. At this point, only one year remained before the World's Fair would begin. The Needle was privately financed and built by the Pentagram Corporation, consisting of ], contractor ], architect ], ], and ]. In 1977 Bagley, Skinner, and Clapp sold their interest to the Howard Wright Company, which now controls it under the name of Space Needle Corporation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceneedle.com/discover/funfacts.html |title=Mysteries revealed |website=Space Needle |access-date=April 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426153357/http://www.spaceneedle.com/discover/funfacts.html |archive-date=April 26, 2011}}</ref> | ||
The concrete base of the Space Needle is {{convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} deep and {{convert|120|ft|abbr=on}} across, and took 467 redi-mix trucks one full day to fill. The foundation weighs {{convert|5850|ST|MT|abbr=off}} (including {{convert|250|ST|MT|disp=or}} of reinforcing steel), the same as the above-ground structure. The tower is secured to the foundation with 72 {{convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} long bolts. | The concrete base of the Space Needle is {{convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} deep and {{convert|120|ft|abbr=on}} across, and took 467 redi-mix trucks one full day to fill. The foundation weighs {{convert|5850|ST|MT|abbr=off}} (including {{convert|250|ST|MT|disp=or}} of reinforcing steel), the same as the above-ground structure. The tower is secured to the foundation with 72 {{convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} long bolts. | ||
With time an issue, the construction team worked around the clock. The domed top, housing the top five levels (including the restaurants and observation deck), was perfectly balanced so that the restaurant could rotate with the help of one tiny electric motor, originally {{convert|0.8|kW}}, later replaced with a {{convert|1.1|kW}} motor. Painted in Orbital Olive paint for the body, Astronaut White for the legs, Re-entry Red for the saucer, and Galaxy Gold for the roof, the Space Needle was finished in less than one year. It was completed in April 1962 at a cost of $4.5 million. The last elevator car was installed the day before the Fair opened on April 21. During the course of the Fair, nearly 20,000 people a day rode to the Observation Deck. Upon completion, the Space Needle replaced the ] in downtown Seattle as the tallest building |
With time an issue, the construction team worked around the clock. The domed top, housing the top five levels (including the restaurants and observation deck), was perfectly balanced so that the restaurant could rotate with the help of one tiny electric motor, originally {{convert|0.8|kW}}, later replaced with a {{convert|1.1|kW}} motor. Painted in Orbital Olive paint for the body, Astronaut White for the legs, Re-entry Red for the saucer, and Galaxy Gold for the roof, the Space Needle was finished in less than one year. It was completed in April 1962 at a cost of $4.5 million. The last elevator car was installed the day before the Fair opened on April 21. During the course of the Fair, nearly 20,000 people a day rode to the Observation Deck, cumulating to a total of 2.56 million visitors. Upon completion, the Space Needle was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, replacing the ] which had held that distinction since 1931. It also replaced the ] in downtown Seattle as the tallest building on the American west coast, which it had been since 1914. | ||
] | ] | ||
The revolving restaurant was operated by |
The revolving restaurant was operated by Carlson's Western International Hotels<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/history |title=Space Needle History |website=Space Needle}}</ref> under a 20-year contract from April 1, 1962, to April 1, 1982.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} | ||
===Carillon=== | ===Carillon=== | ||
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] | ] | ||
A radio ] was built on the observation level of the Space Needle in 1963.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 14, 1963 |title=Fowler Nests in Needle's Studio for Morning Show |page=TV4 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> It was used for morning broadcasts by ] and its sister TV station ] from July 1963 to May 1966, and ] from 1966 to 1974.<ref>{{cite news |last=Banel |first=Feliks |date=April 17, 2019 |title=Frosty Fowler: Late local DJ stayed cool while Space Needle shook |url=https://mynorthwest.com/1349937/frosty-fowler-space-needle-earthquake/ |work=MyNorthwest.com |access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> Disc jockey Bobby Wooten of country music station ] lived in an apartment built adjacent to the Space Needle's broadcast studio for six months in 1974, which required a permit variance from the city government.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 29, 1974 |title=High living atop Space Needle OK |page=E15 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stredicke |first=Victor |date=October 27, 1974 |title=High living for KAYO disk jockey |page=TV26 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | A radio ] was built on the observation level of the Space Needle in 1963.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 14, 1963 |title=Fowler Nests in Needle's Studio for Morning Show |page=TV4 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> It was used for morning broadcasts by ] and its sister TV station ] from July 1963 to May 1966, and ] from 1966 to 1974.<ref>{{cite news |last=Banel |first=Feliks |date=April 17, 2019 |title=Frosty Fowler: Late local DJ stayed cool while Space Needle shook |url=https://mynorthwest.com/1349937/frosty-fowler-space-needle-earthquake/ |work=MyNorthwest.com |access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> Disc jockey Bobby Wooten of country music station ] lived in an apartment built adjacent to the Space Needle's broadcast studio for six months in 1974, which required a permit variance from the city government.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 29, 1974 |title=High living atop Space Needle OK |page=E15 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stredicke |first=Victor |date=October 27, 1974 |title=High living for KAYO disk jockey |page=TV26 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> | ||
On March 27, 1964, the restaurant atop the Space Needle stopped rotating as a result of the ].<ref>Lew Freedman, Bad Friday, p.124.</ref> | On March 27, 1964, the restaurant atop the Space Needle stopped rotating as a result of the ].<ref>Lew Freedman, Bad Friday, p.124.</ref> | ||
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In 1974, author ] children's book ''Wheedle on the Needle'' imagined a furry creature called the ] who lived on top of the Space Needle and caused its light to flash. Its closing quatrain is: ''There's a Wheedle on the Needle / I know just what you're thinking / But if you look up late at night / You'll see his red nose blinking.'' The Wheedle has since become a fixture of Seattle. It became the mascot of the ] National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, which played in nearby ] (now Climate Pledge Arena). The ] to ] on July 3, 2008. | In 1974, author ] children's book ''Wheedle on the Needle'' imagined a furry creature called the ] who lived on top of the Space Needle and caused its light to flash. Its closing quatrain is: ''There's a Wheedle on the Needle / I know just what you're thinking / But if you look up late at night / You'll see his red nose blinking.'' The Wheedle has since become a fixture of Seattle. It became the mascot of the ] National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, which played in nearby ] (now Climate Pledge Arena). The ] to ] on July 3, 2008. | ||
In 1982, the SkyLine level was added at the height of {{convert|100|ft|abbr=on}}. |
In 1982, the SkyLine level was added at the height of {{convert|100|ft|abbr=on}}. Although it was part of the original plans for the Space Needle, it was not built until that time. Today, the SkyLine Banquet Facility can accommodate groups of 20–360 people. | ||
Renovations were completed in 2000 at a cost ($21 million) approximately the same in inflated dollars as the original construction price. Renovations between 1999 and 2000 included the SkyCity restaurant, SpaceBase retail store, Skybeam installation, Observation Deck overhaul, lighting additions, and repainting. | On April 19, 1999, the Space Needle was designated as a city historic landmark by the ] 37 years after it opened. It was the youngest historic landmark in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Charles E. |date=April 17, 1999 |title=Space Needle will be city's youngest historic landmark |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Renovations were completed in 2000 at a cost ($21 million) approximately the same in inflated dollars as the original construction price. Renovations between 1999 and 2000 included the SkyCity restaurant, SpaceBase retail store, Skybeam installation, Observation Deck overhaul, lighting additions, and repainting. | ||
On ], the Space Needle hosts a fireworks show at midnight; ], a fireworks artist from Bellevue, is the lead architect of the show, which is viewed by thousands from the Seattle Center grounds, and televised by ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cook |first=John |date=July 3, 2003 |title=A moment with ... Alberto Navarro, fireworks designer |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/A-moment-with-Alberto-Navarro-fireworks-1118591.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=January 1, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite |
On ], the Space Needle hosts a fireworks show at midnight; ], a fireworks artist from Bellevue, is the lead architect of the show, which is viewed by thousands from the Seattle Center grounds, and televised by ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cook |first=John |date=July 3, 2003 |title=A moment with ... Alberto Navarro, fireworks designer |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/A-moment-with-Alberto-Navarro-fireworks-1118591.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=January 1, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Kirschman |first=Lindsey |date=2021-12-15 |title=Space Needle fireworks return, but no crowds permitted |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattleentertainment/article/no-events-at-the-space-needle-this-year-years-eve-16703572.php |access-date=2021-12-19 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2000, public celebrations were canceled because of perceived terror threats against the structure after investigations into the foiled ], but the fireworks show was still held.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Egan|first=Timothy|date=1999-12-29|title=Citing Security, Seattle Cancels a New Year's Eve Party|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/29/us/citing-security-seattle-cancels-a-new-year-s-eve-party.html|access-date=2021-11-11|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tizon |first=Alex |date=January 1, 2000 |title=Caution takes air out of Seattle celebration |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The 2020 fireworks display was canceled and replaced by a light show due to high winds,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 1, 2020 |title=No Space Needle fireworks on New Year's Eve, or next night: Blame the wind |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/2020-arrives-in-seattle-with-a-space-needle-laser-show-as-fireworks-are-delayed-at-least-awhile/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 1, 2020}}</ref> while the 2021 display was canceled and replaced by a broadcast-only ] show due to the ]. The fireworks display returned for 2022, but the Seattle Center grounds were closed to the public due to state ] rules, and the television broadcast included augmented reality effects.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
In 2002, a real estate consultant in ] proposed the construction of five smaller replicas of the Space Needle around the city to promote tourism, though official plans to build the proposed structures have not yet materialized.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=April 11, 2002 |title=Needle envy? Bellevue eyes five towers |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20020411&slug=spires11m|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> | In 2002, a real estate consultant in ] proposed the construction of five smaller replicas of the Space Needle around the city to promote tourism, though official plans to build the proposed structures have not yet materialized.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=April 11, 2002 |title=Needle envy? Bellevue eyes five towers |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20020411&slug=spires11m|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> | ||
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On May 19, 2007, the Space Needle welcomed its 45 millionth visitor, Greg Novoa from California, who received a free trip for two to ].<ref>{{cite news |author=P-I Staff and News Services |title=Californian is Needle's 45 millionth visitor |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/316473_needle20.html |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=May 19, 2007|access-date=May 30, 2007}}</ref> | On May 19, 2007, the Space Needle welcomed its 45 millionth visitor, Greg Novoa from California, who received a free trip for two to ].<ref>{{cite news |author=P-I Staff and News Services |title=Californian is Needle's 45 millionth visitor |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/316473_needle20.html |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=May 19, 2007|access-date=May 30, 2007}}</ref> | ||
In May 2008, the Space Needle received its first professional deep cleaning since the opening of the 1962 World's Fair. The monument was pressure washed by ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Needle - Seattle, USA |url=https://www.kaercher.com/us/inside-karcher/company/sponsoring/cultural-sponsorship/space-needle.html|website=Kärcher}}</ref> with water at a ] of almost {{convert|2611|psi|abbr=on}} and a temperature of approximately {{convert|194|F}}. The cleaning was only done at night so that the Space Needle could stay open to the public. No detergents were used in consideration of the Seattle Center and the nearby ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://komonews.com/news/local/spit-and-polish-for-a-seattle-icon |title=Spit and polish for a Seattle icon |publisher=KOMO News |date=May 15, 2008|access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref> |
In May 2008, the Space Needle received its first professional deep cleaning since the opening of the 1962 World's Fair. The monument was pressure washed by ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Needle - Seattle, USA |url=https://www.kaercher.com/us/inside-karcher/company/sponsoring/cultural-sponsorship/space-needle.html|website=Kärcher}}</ref> with water at a ] of almost {{convert|2611|psi|abbr=on}} and a temperature of approximately {{convert|194|F}}. The cleaning was only done at night so that the Space Needle could stay open to the public. No detergents were used in consideration of the Seattle Center and the nearby ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://komonews.com/news/local/spit-and-polish-for-a-seattle-icon |title=Spit and polish for a Seattle icon |publisher=KOMO News |date=May 15, 2008|access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref> | ||
===50th anniversary and renovation=== | ===50th anniversary and renovation=== | ||
As part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary in April 2012, the roof of the Needle was painted "Galaxy Gold", which is more of an orangish color in practice. This is the same color used when the needle was originally constructed for the 1962 World's Fair.<ref> | As part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary in April 2012, the roof of the Needle was painted "Galaxy Gold", which is more of an orangish color in practice. This is the same color used when the needle was originally constructed for the 1962 World's Fair.<ref> | ||
{{cite news |last=Trujillo |first=Joshua |title=Space Needle returns to its original color |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Space-Needle-returns-to-its-original-color-3489587.php |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=April 17, 2012|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref> This temporary makeover, intended to last through the summer, is not the Needle's first: it had the ] (UW) ] logo painted after the team won the ]. When the game show '']'' taped episodes in Seattle in 1995, it was painted to resemble the titular wheel as part of an intro sequence with ],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |date=September 20, 1995 |title='Wheel Of Fortune' has Seattle in a spin |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950920&slug=2142548 |work=The Seattle Times|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref> It was painted crimson after Washington State won the ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Space Needle painted crimson and gray |url=https://news.wsu.edu/2005/11/15/space-needle-painted-crimson-and-gray/#.VdT9yfQwJko |publisher=Washington State University |date=November 15, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref> was painted red, white, and blue for Memorial Day in 2003, and has been seen with the ] and ] colors and logos.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Needle Fact Sheet |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Fact-Sheet-History.pdf |publisher=Space Needle}}</ref> The Galaxy Gold paint scheme returned for the Space Needle's 60th anniversary in May 2022 and was replaced a year later at a cost of $60,000 to $70,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Girgis |first=Lauren |date=May 16, 2023 |title=Move aside, Godzilla: Seattle mascots scale Space Needle for paint job |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/puget-sound/move-aside-godzilla-seattle-mascots-scale-space-needle-for-paint-job/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=May 16, 2023}}</ref> | {{cite news |last=Trujillo |first=Joshua |title=Space Needle returns to its original color |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Space-Needle-returns-to-its-original-color-3489587.php |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=April 17, 2012|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref> This temporary makeover, intended to last through the summer, is not the Needle's first: it had the ] (UW) ] logo painted after the team won the ]. When the game show '']'' taped episodes in Seattle in 1995, it was painted to resemble the titular wheel as part of an intro sequence with ],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |date=September 20, 1995 |title='Wheel Of Fortune' has Seattle in a spin |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950920&slug=2142548 |work=The Seattle Times|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref> It was painted crimson after Washington State won the ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Space Needle painted crimson and gray |url=https://news.wsu.edu/2005/11/15/space-needle-painted-crimson-and-gray/#.VdT9yfQwJko |publisher=Washington State University |date=November 15, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref> was painted red, white, and blue for Memorial Day in 2003, and has been seen with the ] and ] colors and logos.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Needle Fact Sheet |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Fact-Sheet-History.pdf |publisher=Space Needle}}</ref> The Galaxy Gold paint scheme returned for the Space Needle's 60th anniversary in May 2022 and was replaced a year later at a cost of $60,000 to $70,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Girgis |first=Lauren |date=May 16, 2023 |title=Move aside, Godzilla: Seattle mascots scale Space Needle for paint job |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/puget-sound/move-aside-godzilla-seattle-mascots-scale-space-needle-for-paint-job/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=May 16, 2023}}</ref> | ||
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A renovation of the top of the Space Needle began in the summer of 2017, to add an all-glass floor to the restaurant, replace the observation platform windows with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to more closely match the 1962 original concept sketches, as well as upgrade and update the internal systems. Called the Century Project, the work was scheduled to finish by June 2018, at a cost of $100 million in private funds provided by the Wright family, who own the Space Needle.<ref name="Greenstone2017" /> The designer is ] and the general contractor is ]. The rotating restaurant's motor was replaced, the elevator capacity was increased by adding elevators or double-stacking them, and the energy efficiency of the building was improved with the aim of achieving ]. The temporary scaffold's {{convert|28000|lb|adj=on}}, {{convert|44650|sqft|adj=on}} platform under the top structure was assembled on the ground and then lifted by cables {{cvt|500|ft}} from the ground to the underside of the structure, controlled by 12 operators standing on the platform as it was raised. The platform was made by ], a company specializing in unique construction scaffolding. One-sixth of the observation deck was closed at a time so that the Space Needle was never completely shut down to the public.<ref name=Greenstone2017/><ref name=Young2017/><ref>{{cite web |title=Space Needle - About the Renovation |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/renovation |website=spaceneedle.com}}</ref><ref name=Schlosser2017/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/work-crews-revamping-space-needle-like-building-a-ship-inside-a-glass-bottle/ |title=Photos: Revamping Space Needle is like 'building a ship inside a glass bottle' |date=November 7, 2017 |work=The Seattle Times|access-date=November 12, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="smithsmag">{{Cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/seattles-iconic-building-unveils-new-look-after-100-million-renovation-180969131/ |title=Seattle's Iconic Space Needle Unveils New Look After $100 Million Renovation |last=Treviño |first=Julissa |date=May 24, 2018 |website=smithsonianmag.com}}</ref>{{citation overkill|date=November 2023}} | A renovation of the top of the Space Needle began in the summer of 2017, to add an all-glass floor to the restaurant, replace the observation platform windows with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to more closely match the 1962 original concept sketches, as well as upgrade and update the internal systems. Called the Century Project, the work was scheduled to finish by June 2018, at a cost of $100 million in private funds provided by the Wright family, who own the Space Needle.<ref name="Greenstone2017" /> The designer is ] and the general contractor is ]. The rotating restaurant's motor was replaced, the elevator capacity was increased by adding elevators or double-stacking them, and the energy efficiency of the building was improved with the aim of achieving ]. The temporary scaffold's {{convert|28000|lb|adj=on}}, {{convert|44650|sqft|adj=on}} platform under the top structure was assembled on the ground and then lifted by cables {{cvt|500|ft}} from the ground to the underside of the structure, controlled by 12 operators standing on the platform as it was raised. The platform was made by ], a company specializing in unique construction scaffolding. One-sixth of the observation deck was closed at a time so that the Space Needle was never completely shut down to the public.<ref name=Greenstone2017/><ref name=Young2017/><ref>{{cite web |title=Space Needle - About the Renovation |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/renovation |website=spaceneedle.com}}</ref><ref name=Schlosser2017/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/work-crews-revamping-space-needle-like-building-a-ship-inside-a-glass-bottle/ |title=Photos: Revamping Space Needle is like 'building a ship inside a glass bottle' |date=November 7, 2017 |work=The Seattle Times|access-date=November 12, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="smithsmag">{{Cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/seattles-iconic-building-unveils-new-look-after-100-million-renovation-180969131/ |title=Seattle's Iconic Space Needle Unveils New Look After $100 Million Renovation |last=Treviño |first=Julissa |date=May 24, 2018 |website=smithsonianmag.com}}</ref>{{citation overkill|date=November 2023}} | ||
The space reopened in August 2018 as the Loupe, an indoor observation deck with a revolving glass floor. It takes 45 minutes for the observation deck to do a full rotation. Two sets of stairs called the Oculus Stairs were added to connect the two new |
The space reopened in August 2018 as the Loupe, an indoor observation deck with a revolving glass floor. It takes 45 minutes for the observation deck to do a full rotation. Two sets of stairs called the Oculus Stairs were added to connect the two new levels. They were named after the glass oculus at the base of the stairs where the Space Needle elevators can be seen ascending and descending. A café, wine bar, more restrooms, and an additional accessibility elevator to the top observation deck were also added.<ref name="OHare2018">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Space Needle - New Experiences Fact Sheet |url=https://www.spaceneedle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Fact-Sheet-New-Experiences.pdf|website=}}</ref> The three elevators are scheduled to be replaced with new units from ]—including two ] elevators for passengers—during the offseason between September 2023 and May 2025. For the first several months of construction, a temporary enclosure was added above the roof.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Space Needle to get a temporary tiny crown |url=https://www.djc.com/news/co/12160110.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |accessdate=October 27, 2023}}</ref> | ||
==Jumping incidents== | ==Jumping incidents== | ||
Six parachutists have leaped from the tower since its opening, in a sport known as ]. This activity is legal only with prior authorization. Four of them were part of an authorized promotion in 1996, and one of the jumpers |
Six parachutists have leaped from the tower since its opening, in a sport known as ]. This activity is legal only with prior authorization. Four of them were part of an authorized promotion in 1996, and one of the jumpers broke a bone in her back while attempting the stunt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9611/21/parachutist/ |title=Parachutist's jump from Space Needle goes awry |date=November 21, 1996 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> The other two jumped illegally and were arrested.<ref>{{Cite news |title=This week in history: People BASE jumped off the Space Needle |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=November 20, 2018 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattle-history/article/History-Seattle-Space-Needle-BASE-Jumping-jump-13405760.php |last1=Millman |first1=By Zosha }}</ref> | ||
Paul D. Baker was the first person to jump from the Space Needle, committing suicide on March 4, 1974.<ref name="oregonian">{{cite news |title=Woman falls to death from Space Needle |newspaper=] |agency=] |date=May 26, 1974 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=49}}</ref> Mary Lucille Wolf also jumped from the tower that year, on May 25.<ref name="oregonian"/> Following the two 1974 suicides, netting beneath and improved fencing around the observation deck were installed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seattle Space Needle was the site of premature birth |work=The Oregonian |agency=Associated Press |date=June 12, 1974 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=92}}</ref> In spite of the barrier additions, however, another suicide by Dixie Reeder occurred on July 5, 1978.<ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Person Kills Self at Needle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25912722/albany_democratherald/|access-date=August 12, 2019 |newspaper=] |date=July 6, 1978 |location=Albany, Oregon |page=12}}</ref> | Paul D. Baker was the first person to jump from the Space Needle, committing suicide on March 4, 1974.<ref name="oregonian">{{cite news |title=Woman falls to death from Space Needle |newspaper=] |agency=] |date=May 26, 1974 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=49}}</ref> Mary Lucille Wolf also jumped from the tower that year, on May 25.<ref name="oregonian"/> Following the two 1974 suicides, netting beneath and improved fencing around the observation deck were installed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seattle Space Needle was the site of premature birth |work=The Oregonian |agency=Associated Press |date=June 12, 1974 |location=Portland, Oregon |page=92}}</ref> In spite of the barrier additions, however, another suicide by Dixie Reeder occurred on July 5, 1978.<ref>{{cite news |title=3rd Person Kills Self at Needle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25912722/albany_democratherald/|access-date=August 12, 2019 |newspaper=] |date=July 6, 1978 |location=Albany, Oregon |page=12}}</ref> | ||
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* {{Cite web |last=Group |first=Sinclair Broadcast |date=April 21, 2016 |title=The 5 Most Famous Seattle Landmarks from TV Shows & Movies |url=http://seattlerefined.com/lifestyle/the-5-most-famous-seattle-landmarks-from-tv-shows-movies|access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=Seattle Refined}} | * {{Cite web |last=Group |first=Sinclair Broadcast |date=April 21, 2016 |title=The 5 Most Famous Seattle Landmarks from TV Shows & Movies |url=http://seattlerefined.com/lifestyle/the-5-most-famous-seattle-landmarks-from-tv-shows-movies|access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=Seattle Refined}} | ||
* {{cite web |title=Storms |website=] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1901515/|access-date=July 9, 2020}} | * {{cite web |title=Storms |website=] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1901515/|access-date=July 9, 2020}} | ||
* {{cite news |first=Kay |last=McFadden |title=Condo by condo, Seattle has become a lot like 'Frasier' |date=May 13, 2004 |url= |
* {{cite news |first=Kay |last=McFadden |title=Condo by condo, Seattle has become a lot like 'Frasier' |date=May 13, 2004 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20040513/frasier13/condo-by-condo-seattle-has-become-a-lot-like-frasier |newspaper=] |access-date = January 23, 2010}} | ||
* {{Cite web |title=Century 21: Seattle |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/9363 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=www.historylink.org}} | * {{Cite web |title=Century 21: Seattle |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/9363 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=www.historylink.org}} | ||
* {{Cite web |title='GMA's On Location Vacation: Visit the Top Spots Seen in 'Sleepless in Seattle' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gmas-location-vacation-visit-top-spots-sleepless-seattle/story?id=33521683 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=ABC News |language=en}} | * {{Cite web |title='GMA's On Location Vacation: Visit the Top Spots Seen in 'Sleepless in Seattle' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gmas-location-vacation-visit-top-spots-sleepless-seattle/story?id=33521683 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=ABC News |language=en}} | ||
* {{Cite web |date=February 2, 2012 |title='Chronicle' is absurd, but Space Needle has starring role |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/chronicle-is-absurd-but-space-needle-has-starring-role/|access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> |
* {{Cite web |date=February 2, 2012 |title='Chronicle' is absurd, but Space Needle has starring role |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/chronicle-is-absurd-but-space-needle-has-starring-role/|access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> The 1999 film '']'' made an absurdist visual gag conflating another icon of Seattle, ], with the tower, showing the coffee chain's name written across the Space Needle's saucer placing the villain ]'s base of operations there after his henchman Number 2 shifted the organization's resources toward the coffee company.<ref name="Packer2009">{{cite book |author=Jeremy Packer |title=Secret Agents: Popular Icons Beyond James Bond |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5BxRm5cnUU8C&pg=PA65 |year=2009 |publisher=Peter Lang |isbn=978-0-8204-8669-7 |pages=65}}</ref><ref name="Zimmerman2012">{{cite book |author=Steve Zimmerman |title=Food in the Movies, 2d ed. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cZkcG-ftcaAC&pg=PA121 |date=2012 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-5569-0 |pages=121}}</ref><ref name="Fellner2008">{{cite book |author=Kim Fellner |title=Wrestling with Starbucks: Conscience, Capital, Cappuccino |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vzZxamsJNPMC&pg=PA2 |date=2008 |publisher=Rutgers University Press |isbn=978-0-8135-4506-6 |pages=2}}</ref> As a visual symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle has been incorporated into the logos of ] (Seattle Supersonics logo used from 1995 to 2001) ], ], and ] professional sports teams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA.com: Going Retro: Seattle SuperSonics |url=http://archive.nba.com/history/uniforms_sonics.html|access-date=July 9, 2020 |website=archive.nba.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2016 |title=Seattle Storm change colors |url=http://www.king5.com/story/sports/wnba/storm/2016/01/08/seattle-storm-change-colors/78524220/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160110213521/http://www.king5.com/story/sports/wnba/storm/2016/01/08/seattle-storm-change-colors/78524220/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> | ||
The Space Needle has been involved in ]s, especially those on ]. In 1989, ]'s '']'' reported that the Space Needle had collapsed, causing panicked people to call emergency services and forcing the station to apologize afterwards;<ref>{{cite news |date=April 3, 1989 |title=KING-TV on Space Needle hoax: Sorry, folks |page=A8 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> the incident was compared to the ] of '']'', which caused panic among some listeners.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Phil |date=September 26, 2017 |title=KING-TV reports Space Needle collapse on April 1, 1989. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/20446 |website=HistoryLink |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Clutter |first=Stephen |date=April 2, 1989 |title=Too deep a needling? |page=B4 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> |
The Space Needle has been involved in ]s, especially those on ]. In 1989, ]'s '']'' reported that the Space Needle had collapsed, causing panicked people to call emergency services and forcing the station to apologize afterwards;<ref>{{cite news |date=April 3, 1989 |title=KING-TV on Space Needle hoax: Sorry, folks |page=A8 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> the incident was compared to the ] of '']'', which caused panic among some listeners.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Phil |date=September 26, 2017 |title=KING-TV reports Space Needle collapse on April 1, 1989. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/20446 |website=HistoryLink |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Clutter |first=Stephen |date=April 2, 1989 |title=Too deep a needling? |page=B4 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> On April 1, 2015, public radio station ] reported that a ] sign had been erected by a group calling itself the "] Collective", depicting a fake proposed land use action "to construct a 666 unit cube to assimilate" the landmark.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wissel |first1=Paula |last2=Stokes |first2=Kyle |title=Proposed Development To 'Assimilate' Seattle's Landmark Space Needle? |url=https://www.knkx.org/other-news/2015-04-01/proposed-development-to-assimilate-seattles-landmark-space-needle |access-date=November 30, 2024 |work=KPLU |date=April 1, 2015 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Other TV appearances include ]'s '']'', in which the tower collapses after 200 years because of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Waters of Death |website=] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462252/|access-date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> The tower was also destroyed in the TV miniseries '']'' when a 7.9 earthquake hits Seattle.<ref>{{cite web |title=10.5 |website=] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364146/|access-date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> The miniseries mistakenly portrays the Needle as crumbling concrete, though the structure is actually made of steel and designed to withstand up to a 9.0 earthquake.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Space Needle was also the site of the first task for the finale of '']'', where contestants had to walk atop its roof.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2023/12/amazing-race-35-finale-winners/|title=Amazing Race 35's winners won after a Seattle scramble—and an amazing season|work=reality blurred|author=Andy Dehnart|author-link=Andy Dehnart|date=December 14, 2023|access-date=December 14, 2023}}</ref> | Other TV appearances include ]'s '']'', in which the tower collapses after 200 years because of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Waters of Death |website=] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462252/|access-date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> The tower was also destroyed in the TV miniseries '']'' when a 7.9 earthquake hits Seattle.<ref>{{cite web |title=10.5 |website=] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364146/|access-date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> The miniseries mistakenly portrays the Needle as crumbling concrete, though the structure is actually made of steel and designed to withstand up to a 9.0 earthquake.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Space Needle was also the site of the first task for the finale of '']'', where contestants had to walk atop its roof.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2023/12/amazing-race-35-finale-winners/|title=Amazing Race 35's winners won after a Seattle scramble—and an amazing season|work=reality blurred|author=Andy Dehnart|author-link=Andy Dehnart|date=December 14, 2023|access-date=December 14, 2023}}</ref> | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|refs= | {{reflist|refs= | ||
<ref name=Greenstone2017>{{cite news |title=Space Needle to get its biggest renovation ever: glass floor, opened views, more elevators |date=June 12, 2017 |first=Scott |last=Greenstone |newspaper=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/space-needle-to-get-its-biggest-renovation-ever-glass-floor-opened-views-more-elevators/}}</ref> | <ref name=Greenstone2017>{{cite news |title=Space Needle to get its biggest renovation ever: glass floor, opened views, more elevators |date=June 12, 2017 |first=Scott |last=Greenstone |newspaper=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/space-needle-to-get-its-biggest-renovation-ever-glass-floor-opened-views-more-elevators/}}</ref> | ||
Latest revision as of 11:17, 29 December 2024
Observation tower in Seattle, Washington, U.S. This article is about the tower in Seattle. For other uses, see Space Needle (disambiguation).
Space Needle | |
---|---|
In 2011 | |
Record height | |
Tallest in Seattle and Washington state from 1962 to 1969 | |
Preceded by | Smith Tower |
Surpassed by | Safeco Plaza |
General information | |
Status | Completed |
Type | Observation tower / Gyro tower |
Address | 400 Broad Street Seattle, Washington 98109 |
Coordinates | 47°37′13″N 122°20′57″W / 47.6204°N 122.3491°W / 47.6204; -122.3491 (Space Needle) |
Construction started | April 17, 1961 |
Completed | December 8, 1961 |
Opening | April 21, 1962 |
Owner | Space Needle Corporation |
Height | |
Antenna spire | 605.00 ft (184.404 m) |
Top floor | 518 ft (158 m) |
Technical details | |
Floor count | 6 |
Lifts/elevators | 3 |
Design and construction | |
Architecture firm | John Graham & Company |
Structural engineer | John K. Minasian Victor Steinbrueck |
Main contractor | Howard S. Wright Construction Co. |
Website | |
www | |
Seattle Landmark | |
Designated | April 19, 1999 |
References | |
The Space Needle is an observation tower in Seattle, Washington, United States. Considered to be an icon of the city, it has been designated a Seattle landmark. Located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, it was built in the Seattle Center for the 1962 World's Fair, which drew over 2.3 million visitors.
At 605 ft (184 m) high, the Space Needle was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. The tower is 138 ft (42 m) wide, weighs 9,550 short tons (8,660 metric tons), and is built to withstand winds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h) and earthquakes of up to 9.0 magnitude, as strong as the 1700 Cascadia earthquake.
Elevators take visitors to an observation deck 520 ft (160 m) above ground in 41 seconds, which offers panoramic views of the downtown Seattle skyline, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay, and various islands in Puget Sound. On April 19, 1999, the city's Landmarks Preservation Board designated the tower a historic landmark.
Architecture
The architecture of the Space Needle is the result of a compromise between the designs of two people, Edward E. Carlson and John Graham, Jr. The two leading ideas for the World Fair involved businessman Edward E. Carlson's sketch (on a napkin) of a giant balloon tethered to the ground (the gently sloping base) and architect John Graham's concept of a flying saucer (that houses the restaurant and observation deck). Victor Steinbrueck introduced the hourglass profile of the tower and its tripod design, which resembles the isthmus that Seattle is situated on. The Space Needle was built to withstand Category 5-plus wind speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h), double the requirements in the building code of 1962, swaying only 1 inch (25 mm) per 10 miles per hour (16 km/h) of wind speed.
While the 2001 6.8 Mw Nisqually earthquake jolted the Needle enough for water to slosh out of the toilets in the restrooms, the structure is designed to avoid serious structural damage in earthquakes of magnitudes below 9.1.
For decades, the hovering disk of the Space Needle was home to two restaurants 500 ft (150 m) above the ground: the Space Needle Restaurant, which was originally named Eye of the Needle, and Emerald Suite. These were closed in 2000 to make way for SkyCity, a larger restaurant that features Pacific Northwest cuisine, which closed in 2017. In 1993, the elevators were replaced with new computerized versions. The new elevators descend at a rate of 10 mph (16 km/h).
On December 31, 1999, a powerful beam of light was unveiled for the first time. Known as the Legacy Light or Skybeam, it is powered by lamps that total 85 million candela shining skyward from the top of the Space Needle to honor national holidays and special occasions in Seattle. The concept of this beam was derived from the official 1962 World's Fair poster, which depicted such a light source although none was incorporated into the original design. It is somewhat controversial because of the light pollution it creates. Originally planned to be turned on 75 nights per year, it has generally been used fewer than a dozen times per year. It did remain lit for eleven days in a row from September 11, 2001, to September 22, 2001, in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks.
A 1962 Seattle World's Fair poster showed a grand spiral entryway leading to the elevator that was ultimately omitted from final building plans. The main stairwell has 848 steps from the basement to the top of the observation deck. At approximately 605 ft (184 m), the Space Needle was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at the time it was built by Howard S. Wright Construction Co., but is now dwarfed by other structures along the Seattle skyline alone, among them the Columbia Center, at 967 ft (295 m). Unlike many other similar structures, such as the CN Tower in Toronto, the Space Needle is not used for broadcasting purposes.
History
Construction
Edward E. Carlson, chairman of the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, had an idea for erecting a tower with a restaurant at the World's Fair. The president of Western International Hotels, he had been inspired by a recent visit to the Stuttgart Tower in Germany. Local architect John Graham soon became involved as a result of his success in designing Northgate Mall. Graham's first move was to alter the restaurant's original design to a revolving restaurant, similar to his previous design of the La Ronde tower restaurant at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. Among the names proposed for the structure by Carlson, Graham, and Steinbrueck were the "Space Needle", "Star Tickler", "Top Hat", and "Big Skookum".
The proposed Space Needle had no pre-selected site. Since it was not financed by the city, land had to be purchased within the fairgrounds. The investors had been unable to find suitable land and the search for a site was nearly dead when, in 1961, they discovered a lot, 120 by 120 ft (37 by 37 m), containing switching equipment for the fire and police alarm systems. The land, which originally had the neighborhood's fire station until 1921, was sold by the city for $75,000. Geotechnical engineers quickly tested and approved the site for construction. At this point, only one year remained before the World's Fair would begin. The Needle was privately financed and built by the Pentagram Corporation, consisting of Bagley Wright, contractor Howard S. Wright, architect John Graham, Ned Skinner, and Norton Clapp. In 1977 Bagley, Skinner, and Clapp sold their interest to the Howard Wright Company, which now controls it under the name of Space Needle Corporation.
The concrete base of the Space Needle is 30 ft (9.1 m) deep and 120 ft (37 m) across, and took 467 redi-mix trucks one full day to fill. The foundation weighs 5,850 short tons (5,310 metric tons) (including 250 short tons or 230 metric tons of reinforcing steel), the same as the above-ground structure. The tower is secured to the foundation with 72 30 ft (9.1 m) long bolts.
With time an issue, the construction team worked around the clock. The domed top, housing the top five levels (including the restaurants and observation deck), was perfectly balanced so that the restaurant could rotate with the help of one tiny electric motor, originally 0.8 kilowatts (1.1 hp), later replaced with a 1.1 kilowatts (1.5 hp) motor. Painted in Orbital Olive paint for the body, Astronaut White for the legs, Re-entry Red for the saucer, and Galaxy Gold for the roof, the Space Needle was finished in less than one year. It was completed in April 1962 at a cost of $4.5 million. The last elevator car was installed the day before the Fair opened on April 21. During the course of the Fair, nearly 20,000 people a day rode to the Observation Deck, cumulating to a total of 2.56 million visitors. Upon completion, the Space Needle was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, replacing the Kansas City Power and Light Building which had held that distinction since 1931. It also replaced the Smith Tower in downtown Seattle as the tallest building on the American west coast, which it had been since 1914.
The revolving restaurant was operated by Carlson's Western International Hotels under a 20-year contract from April 1, 1962, to April 1, 1982.
Carillon
An imitation carillon (using recordings of bells, rather than live bells) was installed in the Space Needle, and played several times a day during the World's Fair. The instrument, built by the Schulmerich Bells Company of Hatfield, Pennsylvania under the name "Carillon Americana", recreated the sounds of 538 bells and was the largest in the world, until eclipsed by a 732 bell instrument at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The operator's console was located in the base of the Space Needle, completely enclosed in glass to allow observation of the musician playing the instrument. It was also capable of being played from a roll, like a player piano. The forty-four stentors (speakers) of the carillon were located underneath the Needle's disc at the 200-foot (61 m) level and were audible over the entire fairgrounds and up to ten miles (16 km) away. The carillon was disassembled after the fair's close.
The Carillon Americana was featured on a 12-track LP record called "Bells On High-Fi" (catalog number AR-8, produced by Americana Records, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania). These studio recordings were performed by noted carillonneur John Klein (1915-1981).
After the Fair
A radio broadcast studio was built on the observation level of the Space Needle in 1963. It was used for morning broadcasts by Radio KING and its sister TV station KING-TV from July 1963 to May 1966, and KIRO Radio from 1966 to 1974. Disc jockey Bobby Wooten of country music station KAYO-AM lived in an apartment built adjacent to the Space Needle's broadcast studio for six months in 1974, which required a permit variance from the city government.
On March 27, 1964, the restaurant atop the Space Needle stopped rotating as a result of the 9.2 earthquake in Alaska.
In 1974, author Stephen Cosgrove's children's book Wheedle on the Needle imagined a furry creature called the Wheedle who lived on top of the Space Needle and caused its light to flash. Its closing quatrain is: There's a Wheedle on the Needle / I know just what you're thinking / But if you look up late at night / You'll see his red nose blinking. The Wheedle has since become a fixture of Seattle. It became the mascot of the Seattle SuperSonics National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, which played in nearby KeyArena (now Climate Pledge Arena). The SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City on July 3, 2008.
In 1982, the SkyLine level was added at the height of 100 ft (30 m). Although it was part of the original plans for the Space Needle, it was not built until that time. Today, the SkyLine Banquet Facility can accommodate groups of 20–360 people.
On April 19, 1999, the Space Needle was designated as a city historic landmark by the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board 37 years after it opened. It was the youngest historic landmark in the city. Renovations were completed in 2000 at a cost ($21 million) approximately the same in inflated dollars as the original construction price. Renovations between 1999 and 2000 included the SkyCity restaurant, SpaceBase retail store, Skybeam installation, Observation Deck overhaul, lighting additions, and repainting.
On New Year's Eve, the Space Needle hosts a fireworks show at midnight; Alberto Navarro, a fireworks artist from Bellevue, is the lead architect of the show, which is viewed by thousands from the Seattle Center grounds, and televised by KING-TV. In 2000, public celebrations were canceled because of perceived terror threats against the structure after investigations into the foiled millennium bombing plots, but the fireworks show was still held. The 2020 fireworks display was canceled and replaced by a light show due to high winds, while the 2021 display was canceled and replaced by a broadcast-only augmented reality show due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fireworks display returned for 2022, but the Seattle Center grounds were closed to the public due to state proof of vaccination rules, and the television broadcast included augmented reality effects.
In 2002, a real estate consultant in Bellevue proposed the construction of five smaller replicas of the Space Needle around the city to promote tourism, though official plans to build the proposed structures have not yet materialized.
On May 19, 2007, the Space Needle welcomed its 45 millionth visitor, Greg Novoa from California, who received a free trip for two to Paris.
In May 2008, the Space Needle received its first professional deep cleaning since the opening of the 1962 World's Fair. The monument was pressure washed by Kärcher with water at a pressure of almost 2,611 psi (18,000 kPa) and a temperature of approximately 194 °F (90 °C). The cleaning was only done at night so that the Space Needle could stay open to the public. No detergents were used in consideration of the Seattle Center and the nearby Experience Music Project.
50th anniversary and renovation
As part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary in April 2012, the roof of the Needle was painted "Galaxy Gold", which is more of an orangish color in practice. This is the same color used when the needle was originally constructed for the 1962 World's Fair. This temporary makeover, intended to last through the summer, is not the Needle's first: it had the University of Washington (UW) Huskies football team logo painted after the team won the 1992 Rose Bowl. When the game show Wheel of Fortune taped episodes in Seattle in 1995, it was painted to resemble the titular wheel as part of an intro sequence with Vanna White, It was painted crimson after Washington State won the Apple Cup, was painted red, white, and blue for Memorial Day in 2003, and has been seen with the Seattle SuperSonics and Seattle Mariners colors and logos. The Galaxy Gold paint scheme returned for the Space Needle's 60th anniversary in May 2022 and was replaced a year later at a cost of $60,000 to $70,000.
A renovation of the top of the Space Needle began in the summer of 2017, to add an all-glass floor to the restaurant, replace the observation platform windows with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to more closely match the 1962 original concept sketches, as well as upgrade and update the internal systems. Called the Century Project, the work was scheduled to finish by June 2018, at a cost of $100 million in private funds provided by the Wright family, who own the Space Needle. The designer is Olson Kundig Architects and the general contractor is Hoffman Construction Company. The rotating restaurant's motor was replaced, the elevator capacity was increased by adding elevators or double-stacking them, and the energy efficiency of the building was improved with the aim of achieving LEED Gold Certification. The temporary scaffold's 28,000-pound (13,000 kg), 44,650-square-foot (4,148 m) platform under the top structure was assembled on the ground and then lifted by cables 500 ft (150 m) from the ground to the underside of the structure, controlled by 12 operators standing on the platform as it was raised. The platform was made by Safway Services, a company specializing in unique construction scaffolding. One-sixth of the observation deck was closed at a time so that the Space Needle was never completely shut down to the public.
The space reopened in August 2018 as the Loupe, an indoor observation deck with a revolving glass floor. It takes 45 minutes for the observation deck to do a full rotation. Two sets of stairs called the Oculus Stairs were added to connect the two new levels. They were named after the glass oculus at the base of the stairs where the Space Needle elevators can be seen ascending and descending. A café, wine bar, more restrooms, and an additional accessibility elevator to the top observation deck were also added. The three elevators are scheduled to be replaced with new units from Otis—including two double-deck elevators for passengers—during the offseason between September 2023 and May 2025. For the first several months of construction, a temporary enclosure was added above the roof.
Jumping incidents
Six parachutists have leaped from the tower since its opening, in a sport known as BASE jumping. This activity is legal only with prior authorization. Four of them were part of an authorized promotion in 1996, and one of the jumpers broke a bone in her back while attempting the stunt. The other two jumped illegally and were arrested.
Paul D. Baker was the first person to jump from the Space Needle, committing suicide on March 4, 1974. Mary Lucille Wolf also jumped from the tower that year, on May 25. Following the two 1974 suicides, netting beneath and improved fencing around the observation deck were installed. In spite of the barrier additions, however, another suicide by Dixie Reeder occurred on July 5, 1978.
Appearances in TV and film
As a symbol of the Pacific Northwest, the Space Needle has made numerous appearances in films, TV shows, and other works of fiction. The Space Needle is often used in establishing shots as an economical means of indicating the setting is Seattle. Examples include the TV shows Frasier, Grey's Anatomy, Dark Angel, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and films It Happened at the World's Fair (1962) and The Parallax View (1974) where it was used as a filming location, and Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Chronicle (2012). The 1999 film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me made an absurdist visual gag conflating another icon of Seattle, Starbucks, with the tower, showing the coffee chain's name written across the Space Needle's saucer placing the villain Doctor Evil's base of operations there after his henchman Number 2 shifted the organization's resources toward the coffee company. As a visual symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle has been incorporated into the logos of NBA (Seattle Supersonics logo used from 1995 to 2001) WNBA, MLS, and NHL professional sports teams.
The Space Needle has been involved in practical jokes, especially those on April Fools' Day. In 1989, KING-TV's Almost Live! reported that the Space Needle had collapsed, causing panicked people to call emergency services and forcing the station to apologize afterwards; the incident was compared to the 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds, which caused panic among some listeners. On April 1, 2015, public radio station KPLU reported that a hoax sign had been erected by a group calling itself the "Borg Collective", depicting a fake proposed land use action "to construct a 666 unit cube to assimilate" the landmark.
Other TV appearances include The History Channel's Life After People, in which the tower collapses after 200 years because of corrosion. The tower was also destroyed in the TV miniseries 10.5 when a 7.9 earthquake hits Seattle. The miniseries mistakenly portrays the Needle as crumbling concrete, though the structure is actually made of steel and designed to withstand up to a 9.0 earthquake. The Space Needle was also the site of the first task for the finale of The Amazing Race 35, where contestants had to walk atop its roof.
Gallery
- Observation and restaurant floors in 2007
- View from the base of the Needle
- Nighttime illumination
- Location relative to downtown Seattle
- View of downtown from the observation deck
- Space Needle seen from Wenatchee Ferry on Puget Sound
- Movie at the Mural underneath the Space Needle
- A view of Seattle from the Space Needle
See also
- Näsinneula, a similar-look tower in Tampere, Finland
- Sydney Tower, a similar-look tower in Sydney, Australia
- Skylon Tower, a similar-look tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario
- List of tallest buildings in Seattle
- List of towers
References
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The final design... was either John Graham's... or Victor Steinbrueck's, who took the trouble of calling me from his deathbed to make sure I didn't credit Graham.
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{{cite web}}
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- McFadden, Kay (May 13, 2004). "Condo by condo, Seattle has become a lot like 'Frasier'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
- "Century 21: Seattle". www.historylink.org. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- "'GMA's On Location Vacation: Visit the Top Spots Seen in 'Sleepless in Seattle'". ABC News. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- "'Chronicle' is absurd, but Space Needle has starring role". The Seattle Times. February 2, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- Group, Sinclair Broadcast (April 21, 2016). "The 5 Most Famous Seattle Landmarks from TV Shows & Movies". Seattle Refined. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- Jeremy Packer (2009). Secret Agents: Popular Icons Beyond James Bond. Peter Lang. p. 65. ISBN 978-0-8204-8669-7.
- Steve Zimmerman (2012). Food in the Movies, 2d ed. McFarland. p. 121. ISBN 978-0-7864-5569-0.
- Kim Fellner (2008). Wrestling with Starbucks: Conscience, Capital, Cappuccino. Rutgers University Press. p. 2. ISBN 978-0-8135-4506-6.
- "NBA.com: Going Retro: Seattle SuperSonics". archive.nba.com. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- "Seattle Storm change colors". January 10, 2016. Archived from the original on January 10, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- "KING-TV on Space Needle hoax: Sorry, folks". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. April 3, 1989. p. A8.
- Dougherty, Phil (September 26, 2017). "KING-TV reports Space Needle collapse on April 1, 1989". HistoryLink. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
- Clutter, Stephen (April 2, 1989). "Too deep a needling?". The Seattle Times. p. B4.
- Wissel, Paula; Stokes, Kyle (April 1, 2015). "Proposed Development To 'Assimilate' Seattle's Landmark Space Needle?". KPLU. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
- "Waters of Death". IMDb. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- "10.5". IMDb. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- Andy Dehnart (December 14, 2023). "Amazing Race 35's winners won after a Seattle scramble—and an amazing season". reality blurred. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
Further reading
- Lost and Found Films: Building the Space Needle, 1961
- Knute Berger (2012). Space Needle: The Spirit of Seattle. Documentary Media. ISBN 978-1933245263.
External links
- Official website
- Century 21 Exposition design plans for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair – Architecture of the Pacific Northwest Database from the University of Washington
- Entry at site of Howard S. Wright Construction Co. Archived December 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- Video of scaffold platform lifted 500 feet at night: "Space Needle Construction Kicks-off with Hoist of 28,000 Pound Scaffold Platform [press release]". Space Needle Corporation. September 19, 2017.
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- Towers completed in 1961
- Googie architecture
- Buildings and structures in Seattle
- Towers with revolving restaurants
- Landmarks in Seattle
- Seattle Center
- Observation towers in the United States
- Towers in Washington (state)
- Tourist attractions in Seattle
- World's fair architecture in Seattle
- Century 21 Exposition
- Symbols of Washington (state)
- 1961 establishments in Washington (state)