Downtown
Downtown Seattle is fairly compact compared to other city centers on the West Coast because of its geographical configuration. Downtown is hemmed in on the north and east by hills, on the west by Elliott Bay, and on the south by land that was once tidal flats. The historic Pioneer Square, the main financial district, waterfront, and shopping area (connected to Seattle Center by way of a monorail) make up the bulk of Downtown. It is also home to the internationally known Pike Place Market.
Smith Tower, in Pioneer Square near the waterfront, once held the title of tallest American building west of the Mississippi. Other notable buildings are the Columbia Tower, Washington Mutual Tower, Square, the Nordstrom flagship store, Benaroya Hall, the new Seattle Central Library designed by Rem Koolhaas, and an expanded art museum, the main facade of which was designed by Robert Venturi. Downtown has an acclaimed arts scene with amazing movie and music industries. There are many excellent food and coffee houses, as well as a great selection of seafood restaurants.
Downtown parks include Westlake Park, Freeway Park, Victor Steinbrueck Park and The Olympic Sculpture Park which was completed on the Belltown waterfront in January, 2007.
Smith Tower, in Pioneer Square near the waterfront, once held the title of tallest American building west of the Mississippi. Other notable buildings are the Columbia Tower, Washington Mutual Tower, Square, the Nordstrom flagship store, Benaroya Hall, the new Seattle Central Library designed by Rem Koolhaas, and an expanded art museum, the main facade of which was designed by Robert Venturi. Downtown has an acclaimed arts scene with amazing movie and music industries. There are many excellent food and coffee houses, as well as a great selection of seafood restaurants.
Downtown parks include Westlake Park, Freeway Park, Victor Steinbrueck Park and The Olympic Sculpture Park which was completed on the Belltown waterfront in January, 2007.
