Docusign Tower

Introduction

Located in the dynamic heart of downtown Seattle, DocuSign Tower is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and a testament to its architectural innovation and urban evolution. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a visitor seeking to explore Seattle’s cultural and historical sites, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about visiting DocuSign Tower, including practical details on hours, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

History and Early Development

DocuSign Tower, formerly known as the First Interstate Center and later the Wells Fargo Center, was completed in 1983, marking a significant era in Seattle’s commercial and architectural development. Designed by The McKinley Architects and situated at 999 3rd Avenue, the 47-story, 574-foot tower replaced the historic Olympic National Life building, which was one of Seattle’s earliest steel-framed skyscrapers (Wikipedia). The demolition of the previous structure in 1982, via downtown Seattle’s first controlled implosion, paved the way for this modern high-rise.

Since its completion, the tower has served as a commercial and business hub, reflecting Seattle’s transformation from a traditional banking center to a contemporary tech-driven city (RouteYou).

Architectural Highlights

Design and Structure

DocuSign Tower is recognized for its unique six-sided (hexagonal) shape and postmodern design, blending steel framing, continuous double-glazed tinted glass, and polished pink granite panels. This combination creates a sleek, modern façade that interacts with Seattle’s often-changing light and weather, while the granite brings a sense of timeless solidity (Kiddle).

The building’s elevation adapts to the city’s hilly topography, with the eastern entrance on Third Avenue standing over two stories higher than the western entrance on Second Avenue (Wikipedia). The tower features three levels of outdoor plazas—a rarity among urban skyscrapers—including a public hill-climb with outdoor escalators that connect Second and Third Avenues. These escalators, originally enclosed in clear tubes, were updated in 2006 with a glass roof for improved weather protection.

Interior Layout and Amenities

Inside, DocuSign Tower offers around 941,000 square feet of rentable office space and is equipped with 24 elevators to ensure efficient access across its 47 floors (WRE Commercial). The flexible floor plans attract a variety of tenants, with DocuSign occupying significant office space. The recent renovations have enhanced the ground-level retail and dining options, complemented by modernized plazas and landscaping.

Sustainability and Modernization

Although constructed before the rise of green building standards, DocuSign Tower has been updated over time to improve energy efficiency and tenant comfort, including escalator enclosure upgrades and building system enhancements (Commute Seattle). Managed by EQ Office, the building incorporates sustainable practices and community-focused amenities.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

DocuSign Tower is primarily a commercial office building and does not offer public observation decks or guided tours. However, visitors are welcome to enter the lobby and enjoy the outdoor plazas during standard business hours:

• Lobby and Retail: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Outdoor Plazas: Open during daylight hours (typically 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM)

There are no admission fees or tickets required to access public areas. Access to upper office floors is restricted to tenants and their guests.

Accessibility

The building is fully ADA-compliant, with step-free entrances, elevators with braille and audio cues, and accessible restrooms located on the lobby and retail levels. Outdoor escalators provide a unique way to traverse the site’s elevation but are supplemented by accessible routes for those with mobility needs.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon or outside peak business hours for a quieter experience in the lobby and plazas.
• Photography: Capture the tower’s distinctive façade and outdoor amenities from the plaza or adjacent sidewalks. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal.
• Weather: Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable—bring a rain jacket, especially from October through May.
• Transit: Easily accessible via University Street Station (Link Light Rail and bus routes). On-site parking is available but limited during peak hours (WRE Commercial).
• Dress Code: Casual attire is acceptable in public spaces; business casual is recommended for tenant meetings.

Nearby Attractions

DocuSign Tower’s central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring several of Seattle’s top attractions:

• Pike Place Market: A historic market with food, crafts, and street performances, about a 10-minute walk away.
• Seattle Art Museum: Nearby, with diverse exhibitions.
• Seattle Public Library – Central Library: One block away, renowned for its modern architecture.
• Pioneer Square: Rich in galleries and historic tours.
• Columbia Center Sky View Observatory: For panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline.

For more ideas, see The Broke Backpacker’s Seattle travel guide.

Events and Preservation

DocuSign Tower does not host regular public events or tours, but its plazas occasionally feature community gatherings. The building is recognized for its preservation efforts, with major renovations in 1999, 2017, and 2021 maintaining its architectural integrity while updating systems for modern use (Seattle Times).

Visitor Experience: Amenities and Etiquette

• Security: Visitors must check in with lobby security and may be asked for identification.
• Photography: Permitted in public and retail areas only; avoid photographing inside office spaces.
• Pets: Only service animals are allowed inside.
• Smoke-Free Policy: Smoking is prohibited throughout the building and plaza.
• Restrooms: Accessible facilities are located on the lobby and retail levels.
• Lost & Found: Inquire at the main lobby security desk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit DocuSign Tower as a tourist?
A: Yes, visitors can access the lobby and outdoor plazas during business hours; upper floors are not open to the public.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: No, public areas are free to access and do not require tickets.

Q: Is there a public observation deck?
A: No, there is no observation deck at DocuSign Tower.

Q: Is the building accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, all public areas are fully accessible.

Q: Where can I find parking?
A: An on-site garage is available; check posted rates and availability.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No regular tours are offered, but some local historical walking tours include the exterior of DocuSign Tower.