The Space Needle is a interesting, futuristic skyscraper. The foundation weighs 5,850 tons and there are 250 tons of reinforcing steel alone (i.e. rebar) in the foundation. The Needle structure weighs 3,700 tons. There were many different designs that were considered in the planning stage. Some of them were similar to what we have now and some were completely different. The building cost came to $4.5 million and the Space Needle was part of a $20 million revitalization project.

The total height of the Space Needle is 605 feet but the heighest up a person can go is the observation deck which is 520 feet above the ground. The revolving SkyCity Restaurand is 500 feet above the ground and the SkyLine Banquet Facility is only 100 feet above ground.

The elevators can carry a maximum of 4,500 pounds which is 25 people. The counterweight of the elevators are 40 percent heavier than a fully loaded elevator. There are seven cables to raise and lower the elevator even though one cable would be strong enough. The cables are changed anually.

Structure Specs

Structure Name: The Space Needle Location: Seattle, WA Engineer: John Minasian Built: 1960-61 Structural Type: Vertical cantilever structure Structure Height: 605 Feet Structure Width: 138 Feet Observation Deck Height: 520 Feet SkyCity Restaurant Height: 500 Feet Structure Weight: 3,700 Tons Foundation Weight: 5,850 Tons Total Weight: 9,550 Tons