Westin Building Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction
Standing tall at 2001 Sixth Avenue in downtown Seattle, the Westin Building Exchange (WBX) is a modernist icon and a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s digital infrastructure. Completed in 1981 as the Westin Hotels’ headquarters, this 34-story skyscraper has transformed into one of the nation’s largest carrier hotels and a vital hub for regional and international telecommunications. The building’s robust technical infrastructure not only connects over 150 carriers but also powers the Seattle Internet Exchange (SIX), positioning Seattle as a global digital gateway. Beyond its technological significance, the Westin Building is notable for its contribution to urban sustainability, most notably as the heart of Seattle’s pioneering Ecodistrict, which recycles waste heat from its data centers to warm Amazon’s nearby campus.
This comprehensive guide details the history, architectural features, technological importance, sustainability initiatives, and practical visitor information for the Westin Building Exchange. It also provides travel tips, lists nearby attractions, and answers common questions, making it a valuable resource for professionals, students, and anyone interested in Seattle’s urban evolution.
For further details, consult the official Digital Realty website (Digital Realty) and the Seattle Internet Exchange (Seattle Internet Exchange).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Construction
- Transformation into a Telecommunications Hub
- Role in Regional and Global Connectivity
- Architectural Highlights
- Sustainability and Innovation
- Visiting the Westin Building Exchange
- Nearby Attractions
- Photographic Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Summary and Final Tips
- Sources and Further Reading
History and Construction
The Westin Building was completed in 1981 to serve as the headquarters for Westin Hotels (Wikiwand). Developed by a partnership that included Clise Properties, it was constructed by Hoffman Construction Company and features a distinctive marble-clad, modernist design. Rising 124.7 meters (409 feet) over 34 stories, the building’s all-steel structure was engineered for seismic resilience, with a major retrofit in 2007 enhancing its earthquake resistance (Skyscraper Center).
Originally intended as a premium office tower, the building’s design includes amenities such as conference rooms with city views, convenience retail, and a 400+ space covered parking garage (Cloud and Colocation; Hadley). Its architectural elegance and prime location have kept it central to Seattle’s commercial landscape.
Transformation into a Telecommunications Hub
In the late 1990s, as the demand for digital connectivity surged, the Westin Building began its evolution into a telecommunications hub (Baxtel). By 2001, the building’s owners had established colocation facilities and “Meet-Me Rooms” (MMRs) on the 19th floor, providing critical infrastructure for fiber and copper network interconnections. This innovation attracted over 200 carriers and service providers, turning the building into a premier interconnection point for the Pacific Northwest (Cloud and Colocation).
In 2013, the building was officially rebranded as the Westin Building Exchange (WBX) to reflect its status as a central digital exchange (Wikiwand).
Role in Regional and Global Connectivity
The WBX serves as Seattle’s primary communications hub, hosting the Seattle Internet Exchange (SIX), one of North America’s largest and most active internet exchanges, and the Pacific Northwest Gigapop’s Pacific Wave Exchange (Baxtel). These platforms facilitate high-speed, low-latency connections across the region and globally.
The building’s carrier-neutral policy and extensive infrastructure—including multiple fiber entry points and rooftop antennas—enable direct interconnection with networks spanning Asia, Canada, Europe, and the U.S. (Cloud and Colocation). Its robust power systems, including 17 diesel generators providing 19.5 megawatts, ensure uninterrupted service for cloud providers, enterprises, and government agencies.
Since 2006, Digital Realty has managed the building, with its ownership rising to 99% in 2025 (PR Newswire; CommercialSearch).
Architectural Highlights
The Westin Building’s 34 floors showcase a blend of modernist style and functional resilience. Its Carrara marble cladding and bronze-tinted glass set it apart in Seattle’s skyline, while its steel structure provides seismic strength (Skyscraper Center).
Key features include:
- Conference rooms with panoramic city views
- On-site amenities such as a café, convenience store, and barber shop
- A secure, covered parking garage
- Rooftop telecommunications equipment supporting regional and international connections
Sustainability and Innovation
A leader in sustainable urban development, the Westin Building is at the heart of Seattle’s first Ecodistrict. In partnership with Clise Properties, Amazon, and McKinstry, the building operates an innovative district energy system that captures waste heat from its data centers and transfers it to heat Amazon’s downtown campus (PHCP Pros). This circular energy solution significantly reduces energy waste and carbon emissions, supporting Seattle’s climate goals (Seattle Wire).
The Ecodistrict demonstrates urban symbiosis—data centers generate heat, which is recycled through underground pipes to neighboring buildings, offsetting thousands of tons of CO₂ annually.
Visiting the Westin Building Exchange
Visiting Hours and Access
The Westin Building Exchange is not a traditional tourist site. Public access is restricted due to its security protocols and the sensitive nature of its data center operations. The lobby and building exterior are accessible during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM) for those with business appointments or for visitors wishing to view the architecture from the street.
Parking and Transportation
A secure, covered parking garage with over 400 spaces is available for tenants and authorized visitors. The building is well connected via Seattle’s public transit network, including bus routes and the nearby light-rail station, offering direct access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Guided Tours and Special Visits
While general public tours are not offered, guided tours focused on sustainability and data center operations may be available by appointment for industry professionals, students, or special groups (Clise Properties). Interested parties should contact Clise Properties or associated partners directly.
Accessibility
The building’s public areas comply with ADA standards. Sidewalks and entrances are accessible, and the central downtown location ensures convenient access by public transit, walking, and cycling (Visit Seattle City).
Nearby Attractions
While visiting the Westin Building’s vicinity, explore these major Seattle sites:
- Pike Place Market: Seattle’s flagship public market with fresh food and crafts.
- Space Needle: Iconic observation tower with panoramic city views.
- Seattle Art Museum: Diverse art exhibitions within walking distance.
- Pioneer Square: Seattle’s historic district known for its unique architecture.
- Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI): Showcasing Seattle’s innovation and history.
- Living Computers Museum + Labs: Interactive technology exhibits.
Photographic Opportunities
Though interior access is limited, the Westin Building’s exterior offers striking photo opportunities. Its modernist façade, marble cladding, and rooftop antennas provide excellent compositions from Westlake Park and surrounding streets. Be sure to capture the building against the dynamic Seattle skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the public visit the Westin Building Exchange?
A: Public access is restricted. The lobby and exterior can be viewed during business hours; access to data center areas requires authorization.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Tours are occasionally available for professionals and special groups by appointment with Clise Properties.
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM, for lobby and exterior access.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, a secure garage is available for tenants and authorized visitors.
Q: How do I get there by public transit?
A: The building is accessible by bus and light rail. Its downtown location is ideal for walking or cycling.
Q: What nearby sites should I visit?
A: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum, and Pioneer Square are all nearby.
Summary and Final Tips
The Westin Building Exchange stands as both a technological powerhouse and a model of sustainable urban development. Its transformation from an office tower to a carrier-neutral digital hub reflects Seattle’s dynamic adaptation to the demands of a connected world. The building’s leadership in sustainability, particularly through the Ecodistrict system, highlights how innovation can drive environmental responsibility.
Though public access is limited, the Westin Building’s central location, architectural character, and significance in Seattle’s digital ecosystem make it a landmark worth appreciating. Pair your visit with explorations of nearby cultural and historical sites for a comprehensive Seattle experience.
For the latest updates, guided tour opportunities, and further insights, download the Audiala app, follow us on social media, and consult trusted resources such as Digital Realty (Digital Realty) and the Seattle Internet Exchange (Seattle Internet Exchange).
Sources and Further Reading
- Exploring the Westin Building Exchange: Seattle’s Premier Telecommunications Hub and Architectural Landmark, 2025, Wikiwand (Wikiwand)
- The Westin Building Seattle Data Center, 2025, Cloud and Colocation (Cloud and Colocation)
- Westin Building, Seattle, 2025, Skyscraper Center (Skyscraper Center)
- Westin Building Exchange Data Center Overview, 2025, Baxtel (Baxtel)
- Digital Realty Acquires Interest in Westin Building Exchange, 2025, PR Newswire (PR Newswire)
- Seattle Internet Exchange Overview, 2025, SeattleIX (Seattle Internet Exchange)
- Exploring the Westin Building in Seattle: Visiting Information, History, and Its Role in Telecommunications, 2025, CommercialSearch (CommercialSearch)
- Visiting the Westin Building: Seattle’s Landmark of Sustainability, Innovation, and Digital Infrastructure, 2025, Clise Properties (Clise Properties)
- McKinstry Develops District Energy System to Heat Amazon Facility with Waste Heat from Data Centers, 2025, PHCP Pros (PHCP Pros)
- Seattle’s Green Initiatives: A Leader in Urban Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Living, 2025, Seattle Wire (Seattle Wire)
- Sustainable Travel Tips, 2025, Sustainable Travel (Sustainable Travel)
