Talking History — Modernism elevated: The new face of Seattle’s Federal Reserve Building

A transformed and expanded Federal Reserve Building opened at 1015 Second Ave. in late 2020. Developer Martin Selig, in collaboration with architect Perkins & Will, has converted the landmarked former ‘bankers bank’ into a 13-story office building with 204,000 square feet of office space, restored one-of-a-kind historic features, and amenities that include a fitness room and wraparound rooftop deck.

The renovation consisted of the restoration of an original five-story modernist structure, built in 1950, and topped it with seven new levels encased in a sleek glimmering glass ‘jewel-box’ of almost identical proportions. All new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including elevators, have also been installed and structural and seismic upgrades were done to strengthen the historic building.