Mid Century Delights: NW Contemporary comes to Ravenna/Bryant

Experience the growth of the Northwest Regional Modernist Architecture movement as we explore a refined vernacular neighborhood. You will encounter hallmark post-and-beam structures with expansive windows as you walk among residences and civic spaces. We will also examine sympathetic newer developments that honor this mid-century modern spirit, showing how the principles of functional simplicity and environmental harmony remain as vital today as they were seventy years ago. On this tour expect to see examples by…

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Concrete Ambition: The Modernist & Brutalist UW

Discover the bold, sculptural identity of the University of Washington beyond the Red Square core. This tour navigates the evolution of UW’s campus from the clean lines of mid-century modernism to the monumental strength of the Brutalist movement.  Along the way, it reveals how shifting economic conditions and changing architectural ideals influenced what was built—and how. On this tour you will see how UW Architecture grads like Paul Thiry, and Fred Bassetti left a lasting…

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Queer Capitol Hill: A Historic Walking Tour

In partnership with Seattle LGTBQ+ Center, Michael Langberg and Lonnie Lursado June 6 | 11AM – 1:30PM | Station House: 131 10th Ave E. | TICKETS Architecture is more than just design details; it’s about the stories of people and communities who inhabit the built environment. SAF invites you to celebrate Pride Month with a walking tour of Queer Capitol Hill! On this tour, you’ll visit the places and spaces that have welcomed queer Seattleites for…

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Seattle Center: The World’s Fair & Beyond

A view of MoPOP's exterior at dusk

The 1962 World’s Fair brought international attention to Seattle and the city prepared by creating a fairground that still hosts some of its most iconic structures. The impact was not a temporary one; Seattle Center continues to thrive today as a destination for locals and tourists to enjoy the arts, events and unique architecture created for the fair. On this tour, you’ll explore the design and history of those iconic structures, including the Space Needle,…

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Ballard Landmark District

Modern building with a sweeping wooden roof and large glass panels, lit warmly against a twilight sky. A highlight of the Ballard Landmark District Tour, it seamlessly blends contemporary design with historical charm, creating an unforgettable sight.

From western boomtown to urban village, join us to explore the history and revitalization of Ballard’s Landmark District. On this tour, you will learn about the architectural styles utilized in the early days of Ballard’s development as well as the businesses that made up this neighborhood. See how the styles of yesterday are interwoven with current design elements that characterize the vibrant neighborhood of Ballard today. This tour meets at the base of the bell tower in…

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Queen Anne: Evolution of an Urban Neighborhood

A Tudor-style house with a steep roof, charming front steps, and a lush garden boasting hedges and flowering plants invites visitors to experience what feels like a Queen Anne tour in elegance.

Take a trip through history in one of Seattle’s most treasured urban neighborhoods. From Queen Anne Style homes to Modern, this vibrant hilltop neighborhood has it all, and is in a constant state of evolution as new residents call this community home. On this tour, you’ll visit Queen Anne’s Landmark residences, apartments and repurposed buildings while observing expansive views, quiet corners, hidden estates, and sensitive restorations. This tour meets at the West Queen Anne Elementary…

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