GSA Seattle Federal Office Building

The Seattle Federal Office Building (FOB) occupies a full downtown block and is a historic nine-story structure originally reconstructed in 1933 after the Great Seattle Fire, featuring one of the earliest uses of aluminum on a West Coast building. Designed by James A. Wetmore, the building includes a concrete-encased steel frame with red brick masonry, a granite base, and terra cotta detailing, organized around a central tower with stepped wings and a multi-tiered roof. The recent restoration addressed deteriorated conditions from water intrusion, including comprehensive façade repairs, roof replacement, and window restoration, replacing or restoring nearly 7,000 bricks and 720 windows while preserving the building’s historic character in accordance with federal preservation standards.