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Seattle's most famous landmark is poised to undergo its biggest renovation since it was built in 1961. Details about the $100 million Century Project were released this week, describing a series of exterior and interior changes that aim to enhance the visitor experience and ready the 55-year-old icon for the future.
Most of the alterations focus on the building's saucer, where visitors are treated to panoramic views of the skyline and local geography. The unsightly and disruptive wire safety cage wrapping the observation deck would be replaced by canted transparent glass panels, complementing sleek floor-to-ceiling glass walls inside. The floor of the rotating restaurant would be peeled away and replaced with glass, becoming the first of its kind in the world. Another set of elevators and a new spiral staircase connecting the observation and restaurant levels are also in the works.
Seattle's Olson Kundig is the architectural firm behind the major upgrades, which will reportedly use more than 176 tons of ten different types of glass. The project could commence construction as soon as September and finish by June 2018, just in time for the summer crush of crowds. The renovations will be conducted in stages, ensuring parts of the attraction remain open for visitors. The restaurant will however shut down from September to May, and when it reopens, will feature an overhauled menu.
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