Seattle’s beloved Space Needle slated for much-needed makeover

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/seattle/">Seattle</a>'s famed Space Needle - a 55 year-old icon - is finally getting a much-needed makeover. Helmed by local architect, <a href="http://www.olsonkundigarchitects.com/">Olson Kundig</a>, the ambitious project will update the structure's physical systems while renovating the restaurant with a rotating glass floor. In addition, a slanted, all-glass enclosure will be installed around the observation deck to enhance the already stellar views.

Space Needle Chairman Jeff Wright, whose family owns the building, hailed the project as a necessity to keep the famed landmark up-to-date: “I believe we’ll look back at this as a pivotal moment in the history of the Space Needle."

"This project both connects us back to our roots, to the vision that my father and his partners had when they built the Space Needle in 1962, and guides us forward into the future for generations to enjoy.”

In addition to renovated structural elements and more elevators, the proposal calls for adding lots more glass to the beloved structure.

The walls surrounding the observation deck, which currently has a cage-like enclosure, will be replaced with massive floor-to-ceiling glass panels to provide uninhibited views of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?s=Puget+Sound&amp;_=1497606201">Puget Sound</a>.

A rotating, all-glass floor in the restaurant will give visitors a view of Seattle from above.

View of Space Needle at night. <em>(Image via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seattlenighttimequeenanne.jpg">Creative Commons</a>)</em>

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/seattle/">Seattle</a>'s famed Space Needle - a 55 year-old icon - is finally getting a much-needed makeover. Helmed by local architect <a href="http://www....<br><br><a href='https://inhabitat.com/seattles-beloved-space-needle-slated-for-much-needed-makeover/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/seattle/">Seattle</a>'s famed Space Needle - a 55 year-old icon - is finally getting a much-needed makeover. Helmed by local architect <a href="http://www....<br><br><a href='https://inhabitat.com/seattles-beloved-space-needle-slated-for-much-needed-makeover/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

The Space Needle renovation is expected to last years.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/seattle/">Seattle</a>'s famed Space Needle - a 55 year-old icon - is finally getting a much-needed makeover. Helmed by local architect <a href="http://www....<br><br><a href='https://inhabitat.com/seattles-beloved-space-needle-slated-for-much-needed-makeover/'>READ ARTICLE</a>