Jack Gordon.org

As the Seattle World's Fair Grounds Become The Seattle Center

SEATTLE CENTER

Seattle, the city that surprised the experts by staging a smash World's Fair this past summer, is transforming the fairgrounds into one of the world's great regional cultural and entertainment centers.

Most of the structures that attracted nearly 10,000,000 persons to the Fair are permanent. Now, the temporary buildings are being replaced by a grand landscaping program that will bring to the new Seattle Center a more striking appearance than during the Fair.

Even now, the complex is a prime tourist target. The 608-foot Space Needle, the Monorail, the Pacific Science Center, the Opera House, the Coliseum, the International Fountain and other attractions of the Fair are set in a spectacular framework against a backdrop of the scenic beauty of the entire Pacific Northwest.

The Space Needle, monorail and Pacific Science Center have been in operation since the Fair's closing, and have attracted thousands of visitors in that time.

The remainder of the Center, including many new attractions, will officially open June 1. Amusement rides for all age groups, placed in a garden setting designed by architect Lawrence Halprin of San Francisco, will create an atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Tivoli Gardens of Copenhagen.

The Fair's popular Food Circus — featuring hundreds of international dishes — will be in a striking new layout that includes new taste treats in addition to old Fair "favorites."

Throughout the summer, a greatly varied program that includes free art exhibits, hobby and crafts shows, Sunday band concerts, street dances, special children's days and regular entertainment programs from across the state will fill the Center grounds.

In addition, a full schedule of performances is set for the Opera House, Playhouse, Arena and Exhibition Hall. The huge Coliseum, another Fair highlight, is being converted into a giant (12,000-18,000 seats) sports-convention center for Spring, 1964 opening.

A step toward enhancing Seattle's cultural leadership has been the establishment of a repertory theater in the 800-seat Playhouse, under the directorship of Stuart Vaughan. It will commence a 30-week season in the fall.

A highlight of this summer's program will be the 13th annual Seattle Seafair, a fun-filled excursion into the land of pirate fantasy, to be held the first ten days in August with special programs at the Center. Seafair, one of the nation's biggest civic celebrations, features parades, shows, community festivals, queens, hydroplane races and plenty of uninhibited fun.

With the great success of the World1s Fair behind them, Washington residents are now increasingly attuned to the tourist potential of this region. Gaining an awareness from the statewide beautification and "Welcome Visitor" programs leading up to the Fair, cities and towns across the state are now thinking in terms of how to attract and entertain tourists.

While the major points of interest, such as Mt. Rainier, Grand Coulee Dam, Puget Sound, the ocean shore and other natural wonders still lead the way in attracting tourists, community effort played a major role in pleasing the World's Fair visitors this past summer. Luckily, the spirit remains.

All in all, Seattle and Washington state are gearing up for another banner tourist year. Our new cultural and entertainment center, amid a scenic paradise for campers or the carriage set, makes a summertime combination that's hard to beat.

The "Total Plan" shown below indicates the depth of Century 21 Center planning, not only for 1963, but for future years, as Center needs grow and services multiply. Major proposed changes include the elimination of the present stadium (conversion to underground parking) and acquisition of additional perimeter properties for expansion and traffic control.