UW Alumni Authors

Maureen R. Elenga, '07

Seattle Architecture: A Walking Guide to Downtown
By Maureen R. Elenga, '07
Seattle Architecture Foundation, 2007
 Buy this book online at University Book Store

Architectural historian Maureen Elenga takes readers on a leisurely tour of downtown Seattle in this deeply informative guide, illustrated with hundreds of color photographs.

EXCERPT:

At 522 feet, the Smith Tower was the fourth tallest building in the United States upon its completion [in 1914]. It remained the tallest structure in Seattle until 1962 when the 605-foot Space Needle was built. The terra-cotta-clad steel-frame structure is clearly articulated, and allows for expansive window openings. The building rises 24 floors and steps back to a tower centered over the western elevation, which rises to 35 floors; this form was advocated in the early twentieth century by New York architect Ernest Flagg to preserve light and air at the street level. […] The building is named for New York-based firearms and typewriter magnate L.C. Smith (Smith & Wesson, Smith Corona), who did not live to see his $1 million building completed. […] In February 2007, the owners of the Smith Tower, Chicago-based Walton Street Capital, announced that they are considering converting the building to condominiums.