$100M Space Needle renovation to reshape Seattle skyline

Seattle's most iconic landmark is about to get a $100 million face lift.

On Monday, the Space Needle released new details about its Century Project, "a multi-year venture focused on preservation and renovation of the 55-year-old icon."

Improvements to the 605-foot tall structure will include replacing the wire safety cage on the observation deck in favor of installing floor-to-ceiling glass designed to showcase the building's breathtaking, 360-degree view of downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound.

The 500-foot restaurant level near the top of the needle will also undergo a complete renovation, including a first-of-its-kind rotating glass floor and a new open circular stairway to the observation deck. There will be improved accessibility measures in accordance with American Disabilities Act guidelines.

RELATED: Seattle picks only remaining KeyArena renovation bid

"This reinvestment ensures the long-term viability of the Space Needle," President and CEO Ron Sevart said in a release. "We have a commitment to our team members, our guests, and to the community to preserve the Space Needle as a civic and cultural icon for future generations. This translates directly into long-term job security for our team members and positive economic impact to the Seattle Center as well as the greater Seattle area."

The renovation, which was designed by Seattle firm Olson Kundig, will use more than 176 tons of 10 different types of glass, and will attempt to achieve LEED Silver Certification. 

Sevart presented the initial concept to Seattle's Landmark Preservation Board (LPB) in 2009. After years of planning the design was submitted to the LPB's architectural review committee in Nov. 2015. After receiving approval, construction is scheduled to begin in September and finish by June 2018.

The $100 million renovation will be privately funded and incremental, which should allow parts of the building to remain open during construction. Seismic work on the steel legs of the superstructure will begin this summer.

The Century Project will be the third major renovation of the Space Needle since it opened for the 1962 World's Fair.

Seattlepi.com reporter Stephen Cohen can be reached at 206-448-8313 or stephencohen@seattlepi.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter at @scohenPI.