The Westin Seattle: A History of Architectural Evolution
The Westin Seattle stands as a landmark of urban hospitality, serving as the flagship property for Marriott’s premium upscale Westin brand. Its journey from a mid-century development project to a modern skyline staple reflects the growth and architectural ambition of Seattle.
The Origins of the Washington Plaza
The story began on December 28, 1966, when Western International Hotels and Alcoa announced the development of the Washington Plaza Hotel. With a budget of $18 million, the project was slated for the site of the historic Orpheum Theatre. This development marked a significant milestone, as it was the first large-scale hotel constructed in Seattle since the Benjamin Franklin Hotel was completed in 1929.
To bring the vision to life, Western International President Edward E. Carlson commissioned the local architecture firm John Graham & Associates and the Howard S. Wright Construction Company. This partnership was already well-established, as the two firms had collaborated six years prior to design and build the iconic Space Needle—a project first proposed by Carlson himself.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Construction and Early Operations
Demolition of the Orpheum Theatre commenced in August 1967 to make way for the new structure. The initial phase of the hotel consisted of a single 40-story tower (known today as the south tower), reaching a height of 121 meters (397 feet). The tower reached its full height in January 1969, and the hotel officially opened its doors on June 29, 1969.
During its early years, Western International Hotels operated the Washington Plaza as a single property integrated with the adjacent Benjamin Franklin Hotel. Together, this combined hotel complex offered a total of 715 rooms.
Expansion and the Transition to Westin
By 1980, the Benjamin Franklin wing had aged significantly and was demolished in July of that year to allow for the construction of a second tower. During this period of expansion, the parent company underwent a rebranding process and became Westin Hotels.
On September 1, 1981, the Washington Plaza became the first property in the chain to adopt the new name, officially becoming The Westin Hotel. That same year, the company established its corporate headquarters in the Westin Building located directly across the street, which shared a parking garage with the hotel.
The second phase of construction culminated in June 1982 with the opening of the north tower. Standing 137 meters (449 feet) tall with 47 stories, it held the title of the tallest hotel in Seattle until the opening of the Hyatt Regency in 2018. Interestingly, the hotel's distinct silhouette gained cultural recognition in 1997 when the alternative rock band Modest Mouse featured the towers on an album cover.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Original Name: Washington Plaza Hotel.
- Architects: John Graham & Associates.
- Builders: Howard S. Wright Construction Company.
- South Tower: 40 stories, 121 meters (397 feet) tall, opened June 29, 1969.
- North Tower: 47 stories, 137 meters (449 feet) tall, opened June 1982.
- Flagship Status: Serves as the flagship for Marriott's Westin brand.
Hotel Development Summary
| Feature | South Tower (Original) | North Tower (Expansion) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Date | June 29, 1969 | June 1982 |
| Height | 121 m (397 ft) | 137 m (449 ft) |
| Number of Stories | 40 | 47 |
| Original Site | Orpheum Theatre | Benjamin Franklin Hotel site |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of The Westin Seattle?
The hotel was originally known as the Washington Plaza Hotel when it was announced in 1966 and opened in 1969.
Who designed and built the hotel?
The hotel was designed by the architecture firm John Graham & Associates and constructed by the Howard S. Wright Construction Company, the same team responsible for the Space Needle.
When did the hotel become part of the Westin brand?
The property was renamed The Westin Hotel on September 1, 1981, making it the first property in the chain to adopt the Westin name.
Which tower is the tallest?
The north tower is the tallest, standing at 137 meters (449 feet) with 47 stories. It was the tallest hotel in Seattle until 2018.
What historic building stood on the site before the south tower?
The south tower was built on the site of the historic Orpheum Theatre, which was demolished starting in August 1967.