Studio SC took a field trip to King Street Station yesterday. The tour, hosted by the Seattle Architecture Foundation (SAF), focused on the major renovation project currently underway at the station. Since our offices are located mere blocks from King Street, we jumped at the opportunity to explore such a historic landmark in our own neighborhood. SAF volunteers, including architects from ZGF, the firm working on the project, guided us around the site and up the 245-foot clock tower.

We had the chance to see the soon-to-be restored original ceiling, as well as some long-forgotten escalators (an attempt to compete with modern air travel in the 60’s). King Street Station’s ornate plaster ceiling was replaced with suspended acoustic tiles over 40 years ago.

The highlight of the tour was climbing the clock tower, modeled after Campanile di San Marco in Venice. So far, the majority of the project has focused on the tower, the tallest beacon in the neighborhood next to the Smith Tower. The views from the King Street’s clock tower were stunning. It was amazing to be able to trek behind the scenes of one of our city’s most historic buildings.

Thanks to SAF, SDOT and ZGF for this opportunity!