Space Needle takes to airwaves in efforts to protect your view of it
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SEATTLE -- Some consider it the Emerald City's Eiffel Tower and want to make sure you won't have to say adieu to the view of it.
The push to protect views of Seattle's Space Needle hit radio space this week, as the privately-owned landmark works to save public vistas of the icon. The concern is over proposed changes to zoning regulations in South Lake Union, and how taller buildings might block views of the Needle from the neighborhood and nearby.
"We've just celebrated our 50th year; I'd like to think that some of these views are here in 50 years," said Ron Sevart, president and CEO of the Space Needle. "The jobs created, the economic development, the affordable housing - those things are wonderful as part of (these changes). We just want to find the right balance."
The city of Seattle has been working on development changes in South Lake Union which could include some buildings as tall as 400 feet - or about 40 stories - said Marshall Foster, city planning director with the Department of Planning and Development. The changes are part of the city's push to bring as many as 22,000 new jobs to the area in the future, and the office and housing space that would come with it.
"It's going to be a change, there's no question," Foster said. "For Seattle this is really a decision about: do we plan for that change and do it in certain areas that make sense?"
"Absolutely views are going to change," he added. "It's really a balancing act. It's - how does Seattle (handle) the economic development opportunity for the new jobs, for the new housing, and also balance it with the quality that we love?"
The city council is slated to take up the issue at a 2:30 pm meeting next Monday, and then with a final vote expected in early April. In the meantime, the Needle has made a big push online - with a Facebook page and on the radio as well - asking residents to email and call city councilmembers to voice their opinions.
Walking through South Lake Union park Wednesday, Magnolia resident John Gosink said he'd be in favor of development in the area, as long as it is smart development.
"I'd say (the Needle is) pretty iconic for Seattle, but as developments goes that'll change, I suspect," Gosink said. "I'm strongly in favor of planned urban development. I think it's important that somebody thinks about how traffic will flow, how people will walk, how the views are going to look, what the environmental impact will be."
"I think there should be a balance," said Justin Hague, who works nearby. "We do need the jobs but we also need the tourism with the Space Needle."
The push to protect views of Seattle's Space Needle hit radio space this week, as the privately-owned landmark works to save public vistas of the icon. The concern is over proposed changes to zoning regulations in South Lake Union, and how taller buildings might block views of the Needle from the neighborhood and nearby.
"We've just celebrated our 50th year; I'd like to think that some of these views are here in 50 years," said Ron Sevart, president and CEO of the Space Needle. "The jobs created, the economic development, the affordable housing - those things are wonderful as part of (these changes). We just want to find the right balance."
The city of Seattle has been working on development changes in South Lake Union which could include some buildings as tall as 400 feet - or about 40 stories - said Marshall Foster, city planning director with the Department of Planning and Development. The changes are part of the city's push to bring as many as 22,000 new jobs to the area in the future, and the office and housing space that would come with it.
"It's going to be a change, there's no question," Foster said. "For Seattle this is really a decision about: do we plan for that change and do it in certain areas that make sense?"
"Absolutely views are going to change," he added. "It's really a balancing act. It's - how does Seattle (handle) the economic development opportunity for the new jobs, for the new housing, and also balance it with the quality that we love?"
The city council is slated to take up the issue at a 2:30 pm meeting next Monday, and then with a final vote expected in early April. In the meantime, the Needle has made a big push online - with a Facebook page and on the radio as well - asking residents to email and call city councilmembers to voice their opinions.
Walking through South Lake Union park Wednesday, Magnolia resident John Gosink said he'd be in favor of development in the area, as long as it is smart development.
"I'd say (the Needle is) pretty iconic for Seattle, but as developments goes that'll change, I suspect," Gosink said. "I'm strongly in favor of planned urban development. I think it's important that somebody thinks about how traffic will flow, how people will walk, how the views are going to look, what the environmental impact will be."
"I think there should be a balance," said Justin Hague, who works nearby. "We do need the jobs but we also need the tourism with the Space Needle."
It is ludicrous to think that a private, greedy, restaurant (that's debatable) can dictate to the city what the building code should be.
Their thinking is like the Needle itself............at least a half century old.
I live on a boat on the south end of Lake Union. I work downtown, ride the trolley, play in the park and visit MOHAI. I can't think of one time I was searching for a view of the Space Needle. If I really wanted to see the Needle I'd head to Seattle Center, and if the elevator were working I might even spend my savings on a trip to the top.
I would love to see the area developed with more restaurants, retail and living spaces.....Isn't that why we built the park? For people to enjoy, not a space from which to view the Needle!
My view is Lake Union in all it's beauty.....LET'S DEVELOP!
The lawyers are going to love this. Just thinking of all of those suits that can be filed
and the moneys to be made will keep them elated for years.
I love the Space Needle but hate the people that run it. They pay their security officers $11 hr to guard the most famous landmark in the city but yet charge people $19 to visit the top. Those numbers should be reversed.
God that thing is ugly and a blight on this beautiful city....
I don't even live in Seattle anymore, moved to the east side in the early '70s. Much more quality of life here, with actual yards, greenery, more spacious homes, and free parking, etc. Seattle may be great for some, but I am less and less attracted to even going there for the following reasons: 1. Congestion with inner-city traffic; 2. No bang for your tax-paying bucks for decently maintained streets; 3. Gangs, graffiti, and crime; 4. High priced parking; 5. Re-development (tunnel) that only prospers rich developers, along the waterfront corridor,,and now, the south Lake Union region; and 6. Little regard for the iconic history of the city of Seattle, replacing it with concrete and glass re-development to accommodate even more expensive urban congestion, thus, detouring even more regional use and visitation.
If 400' tall buildings are allowed to be built between I-5 and the Space Needle in the south Lake Union area,, Seattle will continue to turn an iconic landmark into an insignificant rise between more and more concrete and glass pedestals in the sky. Seattle is NOT Manhattan; it is NOT downtown San Francisco, LA, or Miami, etc.
Come on, city council, have some respect for the city you represent. Money and tax revenue is NOT what is most important to the history and quality that has been Seattle for the past 50 years. You wouldn't block off Smith Tower, so why would you block off the Needle?
@Yadayada Yeah I agree, since I moved out to the eastside from Seattle, i don't have any interest in living in Seattle anymore. Too many loud and aggressive buses going through residential areas and no parking anywhere in Seattle. It's just a noisy, badly managed city with homeless criminals hanging out all over the place. I've lived in both Kirkland and Bellevue and both are much nicer places to live than Seattle. I hate it when I even have to go out to Seattle for work or something.
They want to become Manhattan. Maybe Bloomberg can come here and outlaw Transfat food and sugery soft drinks.
Goodby Seattle, hello Sea York :(
Sad. Seattle is a lost cause. They're going to keep building up and up, until there's nothing left but giant towers and traffic jams from the thousands of people living in them. Â Building a bunch of condos is not going to revitalize downtown... Â destroying the last tiny bit of character that hasn't been razed in Seattle yet. Fabulous. Â This is why I love Portland downtown, and hate Seattle. Â No freaking character at all. Â A bunch of martini swilling 30-somethings who spend their time trying so hard to prove that they are as hip as San Francisco (which they aren't.) Â A downtown choked with condo towers is perfect for them. Â I mean the Space Needle is SO last century! whatevah.
The Needle is an old icon and all, it won't bother me to have new development if it brings more jobs to the area. Nothing wrong with that. I'll still be able to see the Needle from I-5 and the air. I live in Marysville and work in Redmond, so I don't see the Needle much anyway. Downtown Seattle however is too confusing and too congested to make a trip there pleasant anyway. Maybe they should work on that instead of worrying about a bunch of rich farts view of the Needle.
Welcome to Sea York.Â
Amazing how there is no where else in the entire area to build. Gotta love Corporate Greed.
The tourists will still come. This just sounds like a bunch of scare tactics. I'd say a thriving and solid economy is much more beneficial to tourism than a group of homeowners retaining their full view of the Space Needle. I went to Detroit for training recently. I'd say that's a good example of what a soured economy can do. Seattle has a lot of economic momentum right now. It would be foolish to give that up as it will definitely pay dividends down the road. Seattle Center isn't going anywhere. People will always visit it.
A private company drumming up public support to stop more private development so tourists can easily find that monstrosity of a private glass shop that has been named the Chihuly Museum. The Space Needle is not a public icon, and Chihuly glass is not a museum.
@Bellevue Scott Yea, just like they've turned downtown Bellevue into a concrete jungle, cold and congested. And, why have you gotten your feathers ruffed over a Chihuly Museum? Has nothing to do with views of the Space Needle.
@Yadayada @Bellevue Scott Bellevue is completely devoid of any character or soul.  Was there ever a downtown there? Or did it just spring up as a faceless, lot line, corporate monstrosity.  There is no there there. Seattle is on track for the same.Â
I say let them build or they will go somewhere else, followed by the propserity it brings.
I am amazed at the number of people decrying the Space Needle, Seattle's icon known around the world, all for the sake of "progress." Â What are their plans for dealing with the tens of thousands of new jobs, condos, and people they want to cram into that tiny area? Â I see an even bigger Mercer Mess! Â As a Seattle native who remembers the Space Needle going up, I would love to continue to be able to see that beautiful Seattle skyline when I visit. Â Put your high rises in the Duwamish swamp. Â There's an area that could use some gentrification.
The Space Needle is roughly 600 feet. They will still be 400 ft above anything.
Me thinks thou dost protest too much.
@PacMan Â
The new high rises will be as high as 400' and cut off the view of buildings
and homes that have had their views of the Olympics, and the Needle for
over a half century.
The space needle is cool however it is 50 years old. How much longer will it really be able to stand safely and operate as we know it?
@BuddyHolly - about as well as you will when you reach 50. ;)
@BuddyHolly Considering I've never been there when the elevators didn't break down, I doubt very long.
Clearly the solution is to build more space needles.
Sounds like a private company trying to drum up public support with this angle, to further their own financial agenda.
Height Limits in the core of a city to preserve a view for a very, very small amount of folks is something I've never understood. The worst place has to be Portland: A pathetic skyline all so a few people in the West Hills don't lose the Mount Hood view. Urban Cores are where you want to go upward. Building taller in your downtown preserves the neighborhoods and surrounding land by preventing sprawl. One thing I've always liked about Seattle over Portland is how much more impressive our skyline is. I really hope were not going to Portlandia Seattle.Â
@Lisa Are you joking?  The WORST thing about Seattle is all the ugly and style-less glass boxes jutting out into the sky.  Portland has them beat by a mile with buildings that are actually beautiful, with detailing, and were actually designed by a real architect.  It saddens me to think that people actually cherish a bunch of soulless glass towers.... Â
@Lisa @Lisa Lloyd District could make skyline taller instead of downtown Portland.Â
Seattle used to be such a great city, but it's turning into every other city in the nation. Homogeneous development wipes out what is unique, along with quality of life. Well, that's progress, jobs, growth, prosperity, the future, etc. All those key words that make it sound so wonderful.
So you're saying we shouldn't build anything ever again?
@mstipton No wer'e saying that cities should stop trying to become Hong Kong by building hundreds of ugly sky scrapers as cheaply as possible, while destroying an character left in the city.  Creates an ugly city, and complete lack of community and personality.  It actually perpetuates the unfriendly and anonymous nature of Seattle and cities like that. People go up into their 34 story building, and scurry from place to place. No parks, no community, no humanity.Â
@Paddy Â
I was born in Seattle. The Seattle that I knew and loved Â
disappeared decades ago with the influx of gangs, crime,
drugs and general lowering of moral and ethical standardsÂ
that the city has gone through. I now only enter theÂ
city to take advantage of the excellent medical facilitiesÂ
and even those are not in the downtown area.
@DTÂ @mstipton As long as couples keep popping out a hundred children, there is a need for more housing. I don't understand why people think this is the end of Seattle Center. It will still be there and will undoubtedly get even more attention with more people moving in. It will still host huge festivals year round as well. The people moving in will provide more money to help keep the parks afloat and will even help improve the park system (more mullah as these parks you speak of aren't free to run). Amazon is a true example of innovation. Either we let them flourish in Seattle or they'll move elsewhere. The same goes for the othe start ups and companies who will gobble up more office space.Then people will complain about the lack of economic prosperity in Seattle and how not enough tax dollars are coming in to fuel the progressive and liberal nature of the city. The soul of the city comes down to who lives there. These will be high income folks and high income jobs. It will be up to the city and the people in it to support the so called soul of the city. Without people, the city won't have a chance.
Space Needle has milked lots $$$ already....build the new developments.
As much as I like the needle, progress is more important.
That is carrying property rights by the space needle too far. "Look at me all you mere mortals - bow down and worship me."Â South Lake Union will be a expensive slum in 20 years with access only by public transit or shanks Mare - it is already so congested on(ly bikes get through.
Whats the big deal the space needle is old and out dated. Lets worry about putting people to work and not a ugly out dated building
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@Sissy You guys are reminding why I dislike Seattle so much.  there is absolutely NO regard for anything historical or valuable here. I think it's because it didn't really take off until the 70s, and the boom saw most of the historic buildings razed for ugly soulless buildings.. but that's what you all grew up with here, I guess.  Portland beats Seattle by a mile, they know how to maintain and value their buildings, and have so many parks and gathering places downtown.  Seattle? Umm... Pioneer Square which is too dangerous for anyone go to, or the Seattle Center, which is for tourists.  I just have to accept that Seattle downtown is a soulless retail and business center.Â
@DTÂ @Sissy Maybe you should leave then? Seattle has a lot on Portland in certain areas and Seattle is way more known because of what it has become and has to offer. Portland has the upper hand in certain areas as well, but then again most big cities have certain advantages.
The Space Needle will still be there and there will still be amazing views of it from all over the city. This is just a outcry from people who live in condos downtown who want to maintain their full view. Just because someone says it's disappearing doesn't mean it will.
@Sissy The Space Needle is an insanely overpriced time capsule. I personally hate the looks of the thing. It's so dated. And isn't it nearly $20.00 to hit the observation deck? The Columbia Center offers a view about 400' higher at about $12.00 less.Â
Not to mention it's new (old) color, barf.