Elevator
The Space Needle was born of optimism, innovation, and a space-centric future.
Original concepts of the tower included double deck spaceship-style elevators that could zip people to the top of the tower and back, but there was not the time, technology, or funding to make those dreams a reality back in 1962.
Now, there is.
The Space Needle is the first tower in the world to have double deck, floor-to-ceiling glass elevator cabs, through a project designed by the award-winning architects at Olson Kundig, and constructed by Otis Elevators, Turner Construction, and leading aerospace engineers.
About the Project
The Space Needle elevator modernization project is a groundbreaking moment in building innovation, following the history of architectural achievements at Seattle’s iconic landmark. The multi-year project broke ground in 2023 and the first double deck cab arrived Memorial Day weekend 2025. This privately funded $100 million modernization project will replace all three of the Space Needle’s elevator cabs, elevator machines, and top off the newly updated, all-glass experience at Seattle’s landmark.
Phase 4 of the 5 year elevator modernization project has officially kicked off and a new, second set of double deck elevators will be coming to the Space Needle Memorial Day Weekend 2027. The Space Needle Elevator Modernization Project is being recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers Seattle with a 2026 Local Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award in the Outstanding Preservation Project category.
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