Did you know? Seattle is home to what was once the highest skyscraper west of the Mississippi. That skyscraper - more commonly known as Smith Tower - is reopening its newly renovated observation deck this Thursday with new tours and visitor experiences!

The original space on the 35th floor, formerly known as the Chinese Room, is now the Smith Tower Observatory and home to Smith Tower Temperance café and bar. The Observatory features original elements of the historic Chinese Room space including the ornate ceiling tiles, the famed Wishing Chair and other artifacts that pay homage to the vibrant past life of the space.

Temperance, a speakeasy-style concept, will serve a menu inspired by Prohibition and Smith Tower’s historical Asian influence. That means light fare including seasonal bites, banh mi sandwiches, a raw oyster bar and craft cocktails.

Each visitor will be whisked up to the top of the tower in the historic Otis elevators where they will take in 360-degree views of Seattle from the exhilarating open-air observation deck.

Beginning August 25, Smith Tower will offer two new tour and experiences:

• “The Legends of Smith Tower” is a 40-minute self-guided tour celebrating the iconic building’s history and architecture. This tour includes access to the open-air viewing deck, Temperance café and bar as well as historic exhibits available only to guests visiting the Observatory. The Legends of Smith Tower tour runs every ten minutes beginning at 10 a.m. every day, with ticket sales ending at 5:30 p.m.and tours ending by 6 p.m. daily. Adults: $19.14; children ages 5-12: $14.00; seniors over 65 and military with ID: $17.00. 

• The "Straight Up" tour is ideal for those who want direct access to breathtaking, 360-degree views of Seattle via the Observatory and open-air viewing deck. With ticket purchase, visitors are granted access to Temperance café and bar, as well as historic exhibits available in the Observatory. Straight Up tickets are available in limited quantities from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All ages: $10.00. 

Launching this winter, Smith Tower will offer an additional interactive tour experience: "The Bootleg King." This tour is grounded in mystery and discovery, all tethered to the scintillating story of Roy Olmstead, Seattle’s rum-running Bootleg King during the Prohibition era. The Bootleg King tour includes all features of The Legends of Smith Tower tour and is enhanced with special clues that unlock additional mysteries and exclusive access to secret drinks for all ages from Temperance café and bar.

Another new amenity located on the ground floor is Smith Tower Provisions, a general store stocked with all the essentials. Provisions will offer sweet treats at the soda fountain including nostalgic favorites like floats with all-natural Full Tilt Ice Cream. 

Smith Tower will officially open to the public on Thursday, August 25, at 10 a.m. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit http://smithtower.com.