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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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’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.

 

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.”

 

 

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.

 

 

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!