The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark. 

The tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity Space Age aspirations. Recently renovated, it has a breathtaking multi-level floor-to-ceiling glass viewing area and an outdoor observation deck with open-air glass walls and glass benches.Two observation levels are connected by a grand wood, steel and glass staircase that coneects the upper level to the world’s only glass rotating floor below.   Yes, yo do get dizzy standing on it. 

 

Yes, I did go a bit nuts photographing the landmark from different vantage points! Haha! The night shot of the Needle was particularly challenging because trucks were doing deliveries to the site when I was there around 10pm…and driving past my spot when I was taking a long exposure….grrr. Anyway, finally achieved it. I think it’s the best of the lot. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Took myself off to Seattle’s Public Library as I’d read about the extraordinary Level 4…the Red Hall…and wanted to take some pics. The experience of walking around the hall is at once thrilling and slightly disorienting. Its blood-coloured curving walls and walkways, as well as the organically shaped interior windows, do strongly bring to mind the cardiovascular.  The Red Hall is an architectural gem!

Then to MoPop, a museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture. I particularly enjoyed “Wild Blue Angel: Hendrix Abroad 1966-1970”, which offered a contemplative loook at his life spent on the road as he catapulted to fame – through interview clips, and his diary where recounts friends, shows and experiences on the road.  The 700 guitar sculpture was pretty cool as well. 

Last night, I drove past the Elephant Car Wash in the city and was taken by the rotating image. Some history…in the 1940s, Eldon Anderson and his business partners opened the Five Minute Car Wash, one of the country’s first semi-automated car washes. Over the years, Anderson used some of the skills he learned as a heavy equipment operator and builder to invent the first truly hands-free car washing system. In 1951, he convinced two of his younger brothers, Archie and Dean, to partner with him on a new enterprise: Elephant Car Wash. Now there are 14 locations, but Battery Street downtown (where I was driving) is the best known.  Its rotating, pink neon sign—which has appeared in movies, music videos and ads, and has attracted patrons ranging from the Secret Service to Elvis Presley—is said to be one of the most photographed landmarks in Seattle.