IBM Building (Seattle) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids IBM Building |
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| General information | |
| Type | Commercial offices |
| Location | 1200 Fifth Avenue Seattle, Washington, 98101 |
| Coordinates | 47°36′30″N 122°19′59″W / 47.608398°N 122.332935°W |
| Construction started | May 1963 |
| Completed | October 1964 |
| Owner | Unico Properties |
| Height | |
| Roof | 84.13 m (276.0 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 20 |
| Floor area | 225,000 sq ft (20,900 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Minoru Yamasaki NBBJ |
| Structural engineer | Magnusson Klemencic Associates |
| Main contractor | Howard S. Wright Companies |
The IBM Building is a 20-story office building located in downtown Seattle, Washington. It stands tall at 1200 Fifth Avenue. This building was designed by a famous architect named Minoru Yamasaki. He also designed other well-known buildings, like the Rainier Tower in Seattle and the original World Trade Center in New York City. Construction on the IBM Building started in May 1963 and it was finished in October 1964.
Design and Features
The IBM Building has a unique look that makes it stand out. Its design was created by Minoru Yamasaki, along with the firm NBBJ. Yamasaki was known for his modern and graceful building styles.
Special Crown Design
One of the most interesting parts of the IBM Building is its top, or "crown." This section has 191 tall, thin structures called "fins." Each of these fins is about 23 feet (7.0 m) high. These fins are not just for decoration; they hide the machinery floors inside the building.
A Look Back in Time
Before the IBM Building was constructed, the land it sits on had a different purpose. The corner of 5th Avenue and University Street was once home to a popular place for fun and sports.
The Seattle Ice Arena
From 1915 until 1963, this spot was where the Seattle Ice Arena stood. It was a place where people could go ice skating and watch ice hockey games. The arena was a well-known landmark in Seattle for many years before it was replaced by the modern IBM Building.
