Columbia Center

What to know

The Columbia Center, also known as the Columbia Tower, is a massive 76-story skyscraper located at 701 Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle. Completed in 1985, the building stands 943 feet tall and was the tallest structure on the West Coast at the time of its completion. It has since become a prominent symbol of Seattle's economic growth and architectural ingenuity. Originally known as the Columbia Seafirst Center and later the Bank of America Tower, the tower's height was limited by the Federal Aviation Administration to 950 feet to avoid interfering with commercial flight paths over the city. The finished structure eventually reached a final height of 943 feet, maintaining its status as the tallest building in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. For visitors, the primary attraction is the Sky View Observatory, located on the 73rd floor. This public viewing area is the highest public viewing area west of the Mississippi River. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city, the Olympic Mountains, and the Puget Sound, allowing visitors to see the entire region from a height of over 900 feet. Access to the observatory is available seven days a week. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets online to streamline the elevator ride to the 73rd floor. Admission prices vary by age, with adult tickets costing $22, seniors at $19, and youth at $15, while children under 6 are free.

Visitor tips

• Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance.
• Check the official Columbia Center website for current hours and accessibility updates.
• Plan your visit for sunset to capture the city lights and daylight views simultaneously.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Columbia Center dominates the skyline, serving as a landmark for navigation for those walking through the rest of the city's urban core.