The iconic Smith Tower in Seattle, Washington. When it was built in 1914, this 42-story downtown tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. In 1962, the 605-foot Space Needle outreached it, and for many years afterwards, the Seattle skyline was bracketed by these two spires. Today Smith Tower, with its many windows and ornate pyramid top, is still a beloved Seattle edifice. Tourists can take an old-fashioned ride in one of the eight brass-caged, manually operated elevators. The 35th floor observation deck has lovely views. It is named for the ship building magnate Lyman Smith and the car parking garage seen at the base of the tower is locally known as the Sinking Ship garage. Seattle's quirky Sinking Ship garage in Pioneer Square has won the contest to be crowned the Coolest parking spot in the United States.
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