A construction race between two new office towers has been unfolding in Downtown Seattle for months now, as the F5 Tower — previously The Mark — and Madison Centre both near completion. Situated diagonally from each other, the two glass-sheathed towers are similar materially, but substantially different in their massing and floor plans. 

The Mark's reflective facade, image by Flickr user Joe Wolf via Creative Commons

Designed by ZGF Architects for Daniels Real Estate and Stockbridge Capital, F5 Tower's 43 floors of angular glass walls and exterior seismic bracing permits ideal conditions for a flexible and light-filled interior. The 528,000-square-foot office component is spread across the upper floors of the building, while a 189-room luxury hotel and spa will operate out of floors three through 15. The Sanctuary, a preserved historic church next door to the tower, will fill the role of the hotel's conference and event space. Completion of the building and tenant move-in is currently scheduled to take place this month, with the hotel opening in June.

Madison Centre nears exterior completion, image by Flickr user Joe Wolf via Creative Commons

The NBBJ-designed Madison Centre, developed by Schnitzer West, envelopes its linear and curved floor plates in wraparound glass. Tenants will enter the building through a considerably sized glass rotunda, which is penetrated by a dramatic spiral staircase that opens into a three-level amenity space. This business commons area includes a large conference centre, a reception and event space, lounges, a cafeteria, and a fitness centre, all enhanced by a green wall and fireplaces.

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