Russell Investments Center

Russell Investments Center Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Russell Investments Center’s History and Cultural Significance

Nestled in the heart of downtown Seattle at 1301 Second Avenue, the Russell Investments Center is a striking 42-story skyscraper that exemplifies modern architectural excellence, environmental stewardship, and cultural integration. Completed in 2006 and originally designed as the headquarters for Washington Mutual by the acclaimed firm NBBJ, the building now stands as a vibrant office and cultural hub. Its glass and steel façade reflects Seattle’s maritime heritage, offering sweeping views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the city’s skyline.

After Washington Mutual’s collapse in 2008, the building transitioned to the Russell Investments Center, solidifying its role as a sustainable, forward-thinking landmark. It boasts LEED Platinum Certification, a near-perfect ENERGY STAR score, and a long-standing partnership with the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which occupies its lower floors. The center’s prime location offers unmatched access to nearby attractions like Pike Place Market, Benaroya Hall, and the Seattle Waterfront, with walk and transit scores near perfect.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or a traveler seeking cultural enrichment, the Russell Investments Center offers a unique Seattle experience. For the latest updates, visit the Seattle Art Museum official site and the Russell Investments Center website.

Origins and Construction
Evolution of Identity and Ownership
Architectural and Environmental Highlights
Cultural Integration and Location
Visiting the Russell Investments Center: Practical Information
Unique Features and Visitor Highlights
Recent Developments (2020–2025)
Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Explore More Seattle Attractions
Visual and Multimedia Recommendations

Origins and Construction

Completed in 2006, the Russell Investments Center was initially built as the headquarters for Washington Mutual (WaMu). Designed by NBBJ and constructed by Sellen Construction at a cost of approximately $370 million, the building stands 182.2 meters (598 feet) tall, offering nearly 940,000 square feet of office space. Its tube-in-tube steel and concrete structure is engineered for seismic resilience, reflecting Seattle’s focus on safety.

Evolution of Identity and Ownership

Following WaMu’s collapse in 2008, the building was briefly known as the Chase Center before Russell Investments moved in, giving the skyscraper its current name. Ownership has since passed to Northwestern Mutual, with Russell Investments serving as a key tenant and namesake.

Architectural and Environmental Highlights

With floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern glass curtain wall, the Russell Investments Center provides panoramic vistas of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. Its design prioritizes sustainability, earning LEED-EBOM Platinum status, a near-perfect Energy Star score, and amenities such as a 23,000-square-foot rooftop garden, electric vehicle charging stations, and secure bike storage (GBD Magazine). The building has also received the Fitwel 2-Star Certification, UL Verified Healthy Building status, and the Green Lease Leader Gold award.

Cultural Integration and Location

The first four floors of the building are home to an extension of the Seattle Art Museum, allowing for expanded exhibits and a seamless cultural experience. The center’s location within Seattle’s Central Business District places it steps from Pike Place Market, the Waterfront, Benaroya Hall, and other top attractions.

With a Walk Score of 99 and Transit Score of 100, the building is easily accessed via Metro buses, Link Light Rail (University Street Station), and nearby ferry terminals.

Visiting the Russell Investments Center: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Tours

Public Spaces: Lobby and café open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Weekend access is limited.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays. Check the SAM website for current hours.
Tours: No regular public tours of the office spaces. SAM offers guided tours focusing on art and, occasionally, the building’s architecture. Special rooftop or garden tours are announced on the Russell Investments Center website.

Accessibility

The building is fully ADA-compliant, featuring accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, and well-maintained sidewalks. Multiple public transit options and on-site bike storage make access simple for all visitors.

Tickets and Entry

Lobby and Café: Free, no tickets required.
Seattle Art Museum: Standard SAM admission applies; discounts available for students, seniors, and children.
Rooftop Garden & Events: Generally reserved for tenants or special events; public access is occasionally available during advertised events.

Unique Features and Visitor Highlights

Rooftop Garden: The 23,000-square-foot terrace features native plants, panoramic views, and unique installations like a mounted telescope and oversized abacus.
Urban Beekeeping: Fourth-floor beehives produce local honey and support biodiversity.
Seattle Seahawks “12” Display: The west façade lights up with a giant “12” during Seahawks games to honor fans.
Tenant Lounge and Café: Operated by Porter Hospitality, the lounge provides food, drinks, and curated events for tenants.

Recent Developments (2020–2025)

Russell Investments is relocating to Rainier Square Tower in 2024, yet the Center remains a premier destination. Law firm Perkins Coie will move in as a major tenant, and building amenities continue to expand, including enhanced food services, wellness programs, and smart building technology (Sustainability Report).

Tips for Visitors

Combine Your Visit: Plan around SAM hours for a cultural experience.
Transit First: Use public transit to avoid parking challenges.
Photography: Excellent opportunities in the lobby and along nearby streets. Check for special art or Seahawks displays.
Event Calendar: Watch for rooftop garden tours or special public events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the public access the rooftop garden?
A: Public access is limited to special events or guided tours. Check the official website for announcements.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No regular tours for office spaces, but SAM offers guided tours with architectural insights.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Lobby and public spaces are free; SAM exhibitions require standard admission.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Weekdays during business hours are ideal for lobby visits; events are often held in spring and summer.

Q: Is the building family-friendly?
A: While primarily an office building, family-friendly events and art exhibits occur throughout the year.

Visual and Multimedia Recommendations

Photos of the rooftop garden with alt text: “Russell Investments Center rooftop garden with Seattle skyline.”
Interactive maps showing proximity to Pike Place Market, Waterfront, and the Seattle Art Museum.
Infographics summarizing sustainability certifications.
Virtual tours of the lobby and art museum via the SAM official site.

Nearby Seattle Historical Sites and Attractions

Pike Place Market: Iconic market with vendors, eateries, and the original Starbucks.
Seattle Art Museum: World-class art exhibits directly across the street.
Seattle Waterfront: Panoramic bay views and attractions like the Aquarium and Great Wheel.
Benaroya Hall: Home of the Seattle Symphony, just two blocks away.
Pioneer Square: Historic district with galleries, nightlife, and architecture.

Summary and Call to Action

The Russell Investments Center is a beacon of Seattle’s architectural innovation, environmental responsibility, and cultural vibrancy. From its roots as the Washington Mutual headquarters to its present status as a sustainable office and arts hub, the Center offers a unique window into the city’s dynamic spirit. While public access is primarily limited to the lobby and cultural spaces, aligning your visit with museum hours or public events can provide a rewarding experience.

Explore the best of downtown Seattle by visiting the Center and nearby attractions. Stay up to date via the official Russell Investments Center website and Seattle Art Museum. Enhance your journey with the Audiala app for guided audio tours and insider tips, and follow us on social media for the latest Seattle updates.