A Seattle Architecture Weekend

Hidden among the thicket of cranes and spheres, Seattle contains an array of architectural marvels that deserve exploration. From historic treasures to contemporary masterpieces, here’s a curated itinerary to immerse yourself in Seattle’s fine design.

Day 1: F5 Tower, The Sanctuary, Charlotte

Kick off your architectural weekend at Lotte Hotel Seattle, a testament to responsible preservation and refined elegance. Opened in September 2020, the 44-story high-rise known as F5 Tower and designed by Portland architecture firm Zimmer Gunsul Frasca features a shimmering all-glass façade reflecting the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains. The curved lines of the exterior glass are intended to evoke the silhouette of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

This Philippe Starck-designed Lotte hotel occupies 16 floors of the 44-floor F5 Tower in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Photo courtesy of Lotte Hotel

The interior and 189 rooms — designed by French mega-designer Philippe Starck — exude sophistication, with an emphasis on natural light and open spaces. The sumptuous lobby focuses the eye on the reservation desk, built from the polished trunk of a 3,000-year-old sequoia tree. The rooms burst with Starck-designed flourishes, from sleek lines to unexpected bursts of color. In the room, high-end finishes and thoughtful amenities blend urban chic with sublime relaxation. The state-of-the-art spa guides the way to serene self-pampering.

The spacious suites at Lotte Hotel have breathtaking views of the heart of downtown Seattle.

Photo courtesy of Lotte Hotel

Then head downstairs to visit The Sanctuary, nestled incongruously in the shadows of F5 Tower. Originally opened in 1908 as the First United Methodist Church, this Byzantine Revival landmark is the oldest of its kind in the United States, eclipsing St. Bartholomew’s in Midtown Manhattan by nine years. Designed by Seattle architects James Hansen Schack Sr. and Daniel Riggs Huntington, The Sanctuary is a striking, disorienting blend of classical Beaux-Arts and Byzantine elements, featuring a grand dome, stunning stained-glass windows, pipe organ, and ornate details that harken back to the turn of the last century.

After years of disuse, with structural damage apparent and lawsuits flying, The Sanctuary was scheduled to meet the wrecking ball. But fortuitously, the tower developers and the church struck a deal to preserve this wonderful piece of old Seattle.

The Sanctuary at Lotte Hotel Seattle boasts more than 20,000 square feet of unique indoor event spaces ideal for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and brunches.

Photo courtesy of The Santuary

The Sanctuary Grand Ballroom is one of Seattle’s most sought-after wedding venues. It sits within what was once the oldest church in downtown Seattle.

Photo courtesy of The Sanctuary

In 2019, the edifice underwent meticulous restoration during the construction of F5 Tower, reinforcing its structural integrity and transforming it into a premier event space. Today, The Sanctuary hosts weddings and cultural events, melding historical charm with modern functionality. Spend the afternoon absorbing the stories embedded in its walls. Visiting The Sanctuary is by appointment only, so be sure to inquire at the hotel.

Culinary Delights at Charlotte

For dinner, head to Charlotte, the hotel’s signature restaurant located on the 16th floor. Savor exquisite dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. The combination of fine dining and panoramic vistas ensures a memorable culinary experience, perfectly concluding your first day of architectural exploration.

Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge is located on the 16th floor of Lotte Hotel Seattle and offers a panoramic view of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge

Charlotte’s menu, curated by Chef Jon Park, elevates traditional Korean flavors with modern twists using classic French techniques. Park moved to Seattle from South Korea at 12, teaching himself to cook for his sister using online recipes and questions to his family. After attending Seattle University, he pursued a culinary career, learning under top chefs at Tom Douglas restaurants. Highlights include tamari-braised ribs, tartare on roasted bone marrow, and Kusshi oysters with horseradish foam.

Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge features a contemporary approach to Pacific Northwest cuisine, showcasing elevated dishes using fresh, local ingredients served in an approachable way.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge

Explore the Sweet Shop at the restaurant, where locally renowned Pastry Chef Artis Kalsons works his magic, crafting a tempting array of treats, including cakes, macarons, and chocolates.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge

Day 2: Central Library, Pioneer Square, Smith Tower

In 2017, UNESCO named Seattle a “City of Literature,” one of just two in the country. So having a temple of books to meet the city’s literary stature has always been an essential civic milestone.

Begin your walking tour at the Central Library, a striking glass and steel structure designed by Dutch architecture legend Rem Koolhaas and Bainbridge Island-raised Joshua Ramus. Completed in 2004, this 11-story building is an icon of innovative design and functional beauty. Its angular, diamond-like exterior captivates the eye, while the “Book Spiral” inside allows visitors to browse the entire nonfiction collection without switching floors. Spend your morning exploring this modern marvel, appreciating its unique blend of form and function. The new Central Library has swiftly become a Seattle icon, and an “instant landmark.”

The Central Library on Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle has won numerous awards, including the Platinum Award from ACEC and the AIA National Architecture Award 2005.

Photo courtesy of The Seattle Public Library

The Living Room at the third level features a spacious public space for leisure reading or meditation, illuminated with natural light coming through the glass walls.

Photo courtesy of The Seattle Public Library

Children have their own library within the library. The area has 22 computers, a family bathroom, toilets for children, and parking spaces for strollers.

Photo courtesy of The Seattle Public Library

Head south to Pioneer Square, Seattle’s “first neighborhood,” and immerse yourself in its rich history and striking architecture. Established in the mid-19th century, the area was rebuilt in a distinctive Romanesque Revival style after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Start your exploration at King Street Station, with its clock tower inspired by St. Mark’s in Venice, then proceed to the Pioneer Building, a red-brick masterpiece of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It was the tallest building in Seattle from 1894 to 1902.

Wander through Occidental Square, framed by historic buildings such as the Grand Central Building and the Globe Building, which showcases Italian Renaissance features. Enjoy the public art, lively taverns and restaurants, and community activities that bring Seattle’s first neighborhood to life.

Next, make your way to Smith Tower, an enduring symbol of Seattle’s early 20th-century aspirations. Completed in 1914, this 38-story skyscraper was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River until 1931, and the tallest building in Seattle until the Space Needle opened in 1962. Named for L.C. Smith of Smith-Corona typewriter fame, and designed by Gaggin & Gaggin, it features a gleaming white terra cotta façade and intricate neoclassical details.

Smith Tower is a historic observatory, event venue, office space and world-famous tourist attraction offering tours and locally inspired food and beverages.

Photo courtesy of Smith Tower

A trip to the Smith Tower Observation Deck offers nice views of Seattle and the historic Chinese Room.

Photo courtesy of Smith Tower

The classic 1920s elevator shows off its inner mechanisms, which still required a human operator until 2017. The penthouse on the 37th floor was an actual residence, among the most unique and beautiful in the city.

Visit the Chinese Room on the 35th floor — gifted to Smith by the last Empress of China according to lore — and adorned with a hand-carved mahogany ceiling and traditional Chinese furnishings. The Observatory Bar offers craft cocktails, local nibbles, and panoramic views of the city. Reflect on the juxtaposition of historical resilience and futuristic progress as you take in the scenery, beverage in hand.

Cheers to Seattle!