Space Needle City, Seattle, WA, 1961
If the Space Needle isn’t the spaciest space age structure on Earth, I don’t know what is!
This perfect wannabe flying saucer-shaped restaurant, cocktail lounge and observation deck combo has been hovering effortlessly over the city since it was built as the icon, centerpiece and crowning touch of the 21st century-themed 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
According to legend, a TV tower in Stuttgart, Germany inspired its out-of-this-world futuristic design. Originally, the Space Needle was to spout a flame out of its top like a giant Tiki torch. The very thought of that is intoxicating. Too bad, it never happened… but it’s never too late.
Today, this is one of the most recognizable buildings in the universe. What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Space Needle is to Seattle. Stylistically and architecturally, it’s in a class all by itself. Fifty years later it still looks futuristic. It should be called the Outer Space Needle!
But the soaring Space Needle isn’t the only beloved landmark pictured in this slide. Seattleites will also recognize the turquoise globe that’s been perched atop the Post-Intelligencer Newspaper building like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae since 1948. Also, the beloved Pink Elephant car wash sign has been blazing and beckoning in pink neon since 1956.
Sunday, September 2, at noon, Charles Phoenix: Destination Seattle World’s Fair, at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival!
Here’s to Seattle, the Space Needle and YOU!
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles, CA
View more great vintage slides of Americana!
Mama Brea, You think the building looks too modern….The Space Needle is pretty modern for the 60′s. I have pictures showing the building was there before the space needle. Basicly, old town in the for front vs. newer construction in the background
And a Smitty’s Pancake House! I remember them as the major competition for Sambo’s.
Charles,
The Space Needle did spout flame from the top. The torch was replaced in the 1970′s as a result of the energy crunch.
And who can pass up stopping in at the original Starbuck’s coffee shop not too far away! That is the ONLY place you can buy a souvenir Starbuck’s coffee mug with the original topless mermaid. Certainly a must have.
1961!!!!!
How wonderful the United States was back then!!!!!!!
Uncrowded!
Oh, there is one of those Pink Elephant car wash signs on Highway 111 going from Palm Springs to Cathedral City if you want to see one in person.
The building behind the globe in this picture looks modern, almost like it was photoshopped behind the Schuck’s building.