Smith Tower: How High Does Seattle's Grande Dame Reach?
Ah, the Smith Tower. Seattle's grand dame, a beacon of history that's seen the city transform from a lumber town to a tech giant's playground. But just how high does this architectural icon stand? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Smith Tower's stature, with a dash of humor (and maybe a sprinkle of trivia).
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| How Tall Is The Smith Tower In Seattle |
From Humble Beginnings to Soaring Heights
The Smith Tower wasn't always the skyscraping wonder it is today. Back in the early 1900s, Seattle's skyline was a decidedly shorter affair. Enter L.C. Smith, a typewriter tycoon (remember those?) with a serious case of wanderlust and a competitive streak a mile wide. The story goes that Smith's wife fell in love with Seattle, and Smith, ever the charmer, decided to build a tower that would dwarf anything else in the city.
And dwarf it did! Construction began in 1910, and by 1914, the 38-story Smith Tower stood proudly at a whopping 484 feet (that's 148 meters for our metric friends). For a while there, Smith Tower was king of the Seattle castle, the tallest building west of the Mississippi!
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Wait, there's more! The Smith Tower boasts a distinctive pyramid-shaped top, which adds some extra height to the equation. Depending on who you ask, the total height can vary slightly. Some folks say it reaches 143 meters (469 feet) to the top of the pyramid, while others swear it stretches all the way to 149 meters (489 feet) with the pinnacle included.
Either way, you get the picture: the Smith Tower is no short stack.
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So, How Tall Is It Really?
Here's the truth: it depends on who you ask and what part of the tower you're measuring. But hey, that's part of the charm of this historic beauty, right? The important thing is, the Smith Tower stands tall, a testament to Seattle's rich history and ever-evolving skyline.
Bonus Fun Fact: The Smith Tower even has its own "Wishing Chair," rumored to grant wedded bliss to any single soul who takes a seat. Just sayin'.
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Frequently Asked Smith Tower Height Inquiries
Feeling curious? Here are some quick answers to your burning Smith Tower height-related questions:
How tall is the Smith Tower without the pyramid? Around 462 feet (141 meters).
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How tall is the Smith Tower with the pyramid? This can vary depending on who you ask, but it's somewhere between 469 feet (143 meters) and 489 feet (149 meters).
Is the Smith Tower still the tallest building in Seattle? Nope! Seattle's a growing city, and the Smith Tower has been surpassed by a few skyscraping youngsters. But hey, it's still a beloved landmark.
Can I visit the Smith Tower? Absolutely! The Smith Tower offers tours and has an observation deck with stunning views of the city.
Will sitting in the Wishing Chair guarantee me a spouse? There's no guarantee, but hey, it can't hurt to try, right? Just be prepared for a potential line of hopeful singles.
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