Imagine a city where, among towering glass giants, stands a small white tower with a sharp peak, as if it had come from an old fairy tale. It is called Smith Tower, and it was once the tallest building in the entire city—or rather, the tallest building west of the mighty Mississippi River! But one day, the tower nearly faced permanent demolition. It was saved by ordinary people who simply loved it very much. This is their story.
A Dream Tower from the Jazz Age
In 1914, when automobiles were just beginning to travel the streets and musicians were playing lively jazz, an astonishing building was constructed in Seattle—a 38-story tower! It was commissioned by a man named Lyman Smith, who had made his fortune selling typewriters. He wanted his tower to be the tallest on America’s West Coast—and he succeeded.
People came from far away simply to see this marvel. Inside were the most modern elevators of the time, complete with brass grilles, while the walls were clad in white stone that gleamed in the sunlight. The tower became a symbol of pride for an entire city—small but ambitious, just like Smith Tower itself.
The Mystery of the Chinese Room
At the very top of the tower lies a remarkable room known as the Chinese Room. Legend has it that the furniture was presented by China’s last empress—all carved with dragons and flowers and brought from far away. No one knows for certain whether this is true or merely a beautiful story, but the room really does exist, and it still feels magical, as though you have stepped into another era.
Next to the room is an observation deck with views of the entire city, the mountains, and the waters of Puget Sound. There is a special chair there known as the “Kissing Chair.” According to an old legend, if a young woman kisses the person she loves while sitting there, they will eventually get married. It sounds like something straight out of a heartwarming fairy tale!
The Battle to Save the Old Tower
The years passed, and in the 1970s Seattle, like many other cities, wanted to become modern. New high-rises made of glass and metal were being built, while older structures seemed unnecessary and dull. City officials seriously considered demolishing Smith Tower and building something new in its place.
But the tower had loyal friends. One of them was a woman who served as the building’s secretary and had worked there for many years. She knew every corner of the tower and every story connected to it. Together with city historians and concerned local residents, she began telling everyone why the tower had to be preserved. They wrote letters, organized meetings, and explained that the tower was not merely an old building—it was part of the city’s memory, part of its heart.
“Buildings, like people, hold stories. If the tower is demolished, it won’t just be bricks that are forgotten, but also the people who worked there, fell in love, and dreamed there,” Smith Tower’s defenders said.
They were heard. In the 1970s, the building received historic landmark status, meaning it could no longer simply be torn down. The tower was renovated and restored to its former glory. It remained standing—small but proud—among its newer, taller neighbors.
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Construction of Smith Tower | 1914 |
| Threat of demolition | 1970s |
| Historic landmark designation | Late 1970s |
| Restoration of the observation deck | 2010s |
Why It Is Important to Remember
Today, Smith Tower is more than just a building. It is a living reminder that old does not mean unnecessary. Sometimes the smallest and most modest structure holds more stories and warmth than the most modern glass tower. If it had not been for the determination and love of ordinary people—secretaries, historians, and everyday Seattle residents—this fairy-tale tower with its Chinese Room and Kissing Chair might no longer exist.
So the next time you see an old building that seems small and unnoticeable beside modern skyscrapers, remember the story of Smith Tower. Perhaps it holds the most fascinating fairy tale in the entire city.
