What the McKenzie is
The McKenzie Apartments are a 40-story luxury residential building in Seattle’s Denny Triangle. Its elliptical shape is designed to maximize panoramic views and daylight while minimizing shadows on neighboring buildings. A steel spire contributes to its recognizable place in Seattle’s skyline.
Developed by Clise Properties and designed by Seattle-based Graphite Design Group, the building contains 450 apartments across 639,000 square feet. It stands 460 feet (140 meters) tall. The ground floor includes 8,000 square feet of retail space, including Wild Ginger.
The McKenzie’s motto is “Close to Everything. Above it All.” (McKenzie Seattle)
History
McKenzie was Clise Properties’ first major residential project since 1949; the company is one of Seattle’s oldest real estate firms (Curbed Seattle). Development followed early-2010s upzoning in Denny Triangle and South Lake Union, which encouraged taller residential buildings to accommodate population and workforce growth, particularly around Amazon’s campus (Wikipedia: List of Tallest Buildings in Seattle).
Construction began in December 2015, and the building was completed in July 2018 (Clise Properties). Wild Ginger opened in August 2018.
What to see
The tower’s elliptical form, glass façade, and steel spire can be viewed from public areas around Denny Triangle. South Lake Union Park and nearby streets are among the places from which to see and photograph the building.
Inside the residences, features include floor-to-ceiling windows, waterfall quartz countertops, Bosch appliances, Bertazzoni gas ranges, natural gas fireplaces, and custom cabinetry. Neutral palettes and natural textures are also part of the interiors.
Building amenities include a spa retreat, rooftop deck with 360-degree city views, fitness center and yoga rooms, media and lounge spaces, private event spaces, pet facilities, sustainable waste management, and exclusive penthouse services.
Practical visiting information
The McKenzie is a private residence and does not offer public tours or ticketed entry. Its exterior is visible from public areas at any time. Prospective residents can arrange private viewings through the McKenzie Seattle website. Occasional events are for residents only; updates are available on the McKenzie Seattle website.
Wild Ginger and other ground-floor retail spaces are open to the public. The building is in Denny Triangle, downtown Seattle. The neighborhood is walkable and bike-friendly, with access by public transit, rideshare, or private vehicle. Public garages are nearby.
Tips
The area is served by buses, the Seattle Streetcar, and nearby light rail stations. Walking tours in the neighborhood cover Seattle’s recent urban development.
Nearby places
Denny Triangle and the surrounding area include the Amazon Spheres, South Lake Union Park, the Lake Union waterfront, museums, parks, and a variety of restaurants and shopping options. Other nearby attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, Pioneer Square, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is a 605-foot landmark known for its futuristic design and panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. It is a cultural icon that has appeared in numerous films and photographs (www.spaceneedle.com).
Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily, with extended hours in summer and on holidays.
Tickets: Adults: approximately $35; seniors and youth receive discounted tickets; children under 5 enter free. Combo tickets are available with nearby attractions. Tickets can be purchased at www.spaceneedle.com. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.
The Space Needle is ADA-compliant, with elevators and accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome. Amenities include a gift shop, café, interactive exhibits, and free Wi-Fi.
Experiences include the Loupe Lounge, featuring the world’s first rotating glass floor, and SkyCity Restaurant, which offers panoramic views. The observation areas provide photography opportunities at sunset and on clear days. Guided tours cover architectural and historical topics; virtual tours and live cams are available on the official website.
The Space Needle is at Seattle Center and is accessible by monorail and bus. Parking is limited, and public transit is suggested if possible. Early morning and late afternoon are listed as the best times to visit.
For more information, visit the official Space Needle website. More Seattle attractions are listed in the Seattle Tourist Attractions Guide.
FAQ
Can visitors tour the McKenzie Apartments?
No public tours are offered. Private appointments are available for prospective residents.
What are the McKenzie’s visiting hours?
The exterior can be viewed at any time from public areas.
Are tickets needed to visit the McKenzie?
No. The building is not open for public visitation.
Are any areas inside the McKenzie open to the public?
Ground-floor retail spaces, including Wild Ginger, are open to the public.
What historical sites are near the McKenzie?
Pioneer Square and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Is the McKenzie accessible by public transportation?
Yes. Buses, the Seattle Streetcar, and nearby light rail stations serve the area.
Are pets allowed at the Space Needle?
Only service animals are allowed.
Can I host a private event at the Space Needle?
Yes. Contact the Space Needle events team.
