The Space Needle, #11, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The last time I was whisked up the elevator to the top of this iconic Seattle landmark I was probably eight years old or so–that is, more than half a century ago. The Needle, which opened in April of 1962, was probably only four years old during that visit of my youth (spankin’ new, it was!), and was the tallest building in the city, indeed the tallest west of the Mississippi for a brief time.
I was fascinated. Once up there, I may have even thrown a paper airplane into the abyss. (Hard to do these days, with all the safety netting, etc.)
Well, the Space Needle still stands (158m/518′ to the top floor) and still attracts hordes of visitors, especially enthusiastic kids (like me!). But the 21st century Seattle skyline has changed considerably and The Needle is now dwarfed by–albeit set apart from–a glistening wall of massive modern steel, glass, and aluminum sky slappers.
The march of progress, I suppose.
Some Space Needle Factoids
–It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair.
–It can supposedly withstand 200mph winds and a 9.0 magnitude earthquake–necessary requisites in these parts… and it has 25 lightening rods.
–Recently renovated, it now has a see-through, revolving, glass observation floor–you can sip a glass of wine and watch the view slowly drift along between your Birkenstocks!
–Skydivers have BASE jumped from the top, but it is not legal without permission (which is never given these days).
–There is even a restaurant on top for those special romantic encounters!
Here is are some monochrome photographs I made as I worked through various perspectives…
The Space Needle, #1, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #2, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #3, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #4, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #7, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #10, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #11, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #12, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #14, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
The Space Needle, #15, Seattle, Washington State, USA, 2019
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