Formerly: The Washington Mutual Tower Built: 1986-1988 Designed by: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and The McKinley Architects Type: Skyscraper Stories: 55 Maximum Height: 772 feet / 235 meters Location: 1201 Third Avenue, Seattle, United States
I t's not the tallest building in the Emerald City, but because of its location, height, and the way it plays with light 1201 Third Avenue is certainly one of the most visible. It is an integral part of Seattle's skyline, and is easily recognizable from most parts of the city. Its unique shape and knobby top have earned it the nickname "the spark plug." But better than the view of the tower is the view from the tower. When the sky is clear, you can see the Olympic mountains, the Cascade mountains, and Mount Rainier. The tower has 26 elevators which move at speeds up to 1,400 feet per minute.