The $100 million renovation at the Space Needle is nearing completion. On Thursday, the newest part of the Space Needle's “space-life” was unveiled.
It’s called “The Loupe,” and it’s the world’s first and only revolving glass floor.
“Since Labor Day we have worked two shifts a day, six days a week, 20 hours a day, giving sleepless in Seattle a whole new meaning,” said Jeff Wright, Space Needle Chairman of the Board.
Twelve motors rotate the 10 layers of glass that make up the floor. Visitors who step out onto The Loupe can see the motors and the 48 rollers the glass floor glides on in action just inches away from your feet.
Opening day for the public is Friday, August 3 at 8 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Space Needle box office.
The Loupe is just one part of the nine-month renovation.
Also see | Workers unwrap Space Needle observation deck
One of the more noticeable changes to the Space Needle is the glass wall that replaced the observation level's original wall and cage-like structure.
The 48 glass barriers weigh 2,300 pounds apiece. They were lifted one at a time up to the observation deck and then placed into the platform that’s 520-feet above ground.
“There used to be a pony wall, a metal cage,” said Karen Olson, the Space Needle’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Now we’re completely opening it up. There’s glass barriers that slant out. There’ll be glass benches on every other bay.”
The 24 new glass benches on the observation deck are called ‘Skyrisers.’ They give visitors a chance to take a photo that makes it seem as though they are floating 520 feet above the Seattle skyline.
A new dining experience will be announced in late 2018.
