Outdoor plaza with paved stone ground and benches under clear blue sky

Uw Tower

UW Tower Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Rising above Seattle’s University District, the UW Tower is both an architectural landmark and a hub for the University of Washington’s administrative and community life. Completed in 1975 as the Safeco Tower, this 22-story skyscraper became a symbol of the city’s economic expansion and the university’s integration within its neighborhood. Today, though the building primarily serves staff and university functions, its striking modernist design, outdoor plaza, and proximity to cultural and historical attractions make it a site of interest for visitors to Seattle.

This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know about the UW Tower: from visiting hours and accessibility features to its role in university history, nearby attractions, travel tips, and practical advice for making the most of your visit.

UW Tower building in Seattle with modern glass architecture

Historical Background and Architectural Significance
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Accessibility and Transportation
Community Engagement and Alumni Relations
Facilities, Amenities, and Visitor Experience
Nearby Attractions and Seattle Sites
Photography Tips and Unique Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Final Tips
Visuals, Media, and Internal Links Suggestions
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background and Architectural Significance

Origins and Development

The UW Tower, originally known as Safeco Tower, was completed in 1975 and is the tallest building in Seattle’s University District at 325 feet (99 meters). Its construction marked a pivotal period in the area’s transformation from low-rise buildings to a modern urban center, following the University of Washington’s relocation to the district in 1895 (HistoryLink; Seattle Historic Preservation Context).

Architectural Highlights

Designed by Naramore, Bain, Brady & Johanson (NBBJ), the UW Tower is a prime example of International Style architecture, featuring a sleek bronze-tinted glass and aluminum façade and steel-framed construction (NBBJ). Its landscaped plaza offers a welcoming urban space, and its height preserves neighborhood sightlines while minimizing shadow impacts.

The Tower Today

In 2006, the University of Washington acquired the building and several adjacent properties, repurposing them as administrative offices and research spaces (UW Facilities; Planning and Budgeting Brief, 2009). Renovations have since improved energy efficiency and accessibility, reinforcing the tower’s role as a dynamic university center.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

The UW Tower is primarily an administrative building and is not open for general public tours or casual visits. Access to the outdoor plaza and surrounding areas is typically available during daylight hours, generally from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.

For visitors with scheduled appointments, the building is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Entry to interior spaces requires pre-registration and check-in at the security desk with valid photo identification.

Tickets and Admission

There is no admission fee for the UW Tower. The outdoor areas are free to visit, but internal access is limited to staff, authorized personnel, and pre-registered visitors. No public observation decks or regular guided tours are available.

Accessibility and Transportation

Accessibility

The UW Tower and its plaza are fully ADA-compliant, with accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms (UW Accessibility Info; Visitor Accommodations). The university provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including an ADA Coordinator, and supports accessible parking and shuttle options (Dial-A-Ride Shuttles).

Getting There

Address: 4333 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Public Transit: The UW Tower is easily reached via the Link light rail (University of Washington Station) and numerous King County Metro bus routes. The area is also bike-friendly with ample racks.
Parking: Limited parking is available in two garages and two surface lots. Public transit is recommended due to high demand (UW Transportation Services).
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Walking/Biking: The University District’s pedestrian-friendly environment makes walking and biking enjoyable ways to reach the tower.

Community Engagement and Alumni Relations

Washington Commons

Located within the UW Tower, Washington Commons serves as a hub for alumni engagement, community events, and university outreach (Washington Commons). The space features design elements inspired by the UW campus, such as a dome light reminiscent of Drumheller Fountain, and hosts events that foster lifelong university connections.

Public Interface

Washington Commons and the tower’s outdoor spaces create a welcoming bridge between the university and Seattle’s wider community. While most indoor access is restricted, select events and gatherings in Washington Commons are open to alumni and registered guests.

Facilities, Amenities, and Visitor Experience

Tower Café

The Tower Café on the Mezzanine/4th Floor is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch options for building occupants and visitors with appointments.

Conference Spaces

Conference rooms on the 22nd and Mezzanine floors are primarily for university-related meetings. Visitors should coordinate with their host for access.

Security and Safety

All visitors must check in at the main lobby and be on the pre-registered guest list. Security staff are present Monday through Friday, and for urgent issues, contact 206-685-5555.

Nearby Attractions and Seattle Sites

The UW Tower’s central location provides easy access to a wealth of nearby attractions:

University of Washington Campus: Explore Suzzallo Library, Drumheller Fountain, and the Quad (UW Visitor Center).
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture: Regional natural history and anthropology exhibits.
Henry Art Gallery: Contemporary art exhibitions.
Neptune Theatre: Historic performing arts venue.
Grand Illusion Cinema: Independent film experiences.
Gas Works Park: Industrial relics and city views.
Ravenna Park: Forested trails and green space.

The University District is also home to cafes, bookstores, and the U District Farmers Market.

Photography Tips and Unique Experiences

Best Photo Times: Early morning and sunset (“golden hour”) highlight the tower’s bronze-tinted glass and modern silhouette.
Angles: Capture the tower from the landscaped plaza or nearby intersections.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring cherry blossoms on campus and autumn foliage add visual interest.
Interior Shots: Photography is restricted to public spaces; ask for permission before taking photos inside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the UW Tower without an appointment?
A: No. Access to the interior requires a pre-scheduled appointment and pre-registration by a university host.

Q: Are there public tours or events?
A: There are no regular public tours. Some alumni and community events at Washington Commons may be open to registered guests.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Outdoor plaza access is generally available 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Building entry for visitors is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a scheduled appointment.

Q: Is the UW Tower accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. The building meets ADA requirements and offers additional accommodations upon request (UW Accessibility Info).

Q: Where can I park?
A: Parking is limited; public transit is recommended. Accessible spaces are available with permits (UW Transportation Services).

Q: Are guided tours of the UW Tower offered?
A: No regular tours, but campus tours often include information about the tower.

Conclusion and Final Tips

The UW Tower is a defining feature of Seattle’s University District, emblematic of both the University of Washington’s growth and the area’s ongoing revitalization. While interior access is limited to university business, the tower’s striking architecture, welcoming outdoor spaces, and proximity to cultural and historic sites make it a meaningful destination for visitors.

Visitor Tips:

Schedule appointments in advance for building access.
Use public transit for convenience.
Explore nearby campus and district attractions to enrich your visit.
Check the UW Alumni Association website for event opportunities and updates.

For more in-depth guides, event updates, and audio tours, download the Audiala app and follow related university and Seattle tourism resources.

Visuals, Media, and Internal Links Suggestions

Feature high-resolution images of the UW Tower’s exterior at different times of day (alt text: “UW Tower Seattle at sunset”).
Include maps showing the tower’s location and nearby attractions.
Provide links to interactive virtual tours of the University of Washington campus.
Internal links to Seattle Historical Sites and University of Washington Campus Guide.