Rising Above Commencement Bay: Tacoma’s Tallest Buildings
Long before Tacoma’s skyline rose above Commencement Bay, this land was home to the Puyallup people, who lived and traded along the shores of Puget Sound. The city’s name itself, Tacoma, derives from the Lushootseed word Takhoma, a reference to majestic Mount Rainier and its role as “Mother of the Waters.”
In the mid-1800s, Civil War veteran Job Carr settled here and planted the seeds of a city. But it was the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s that truly launched Tacoma’s destiny. It earned the nickname “City of Destiny” when chosen as the western terminus of the transcontinental railroad, a decision that turned this quiet outpost into a bustling port and industrial powerhouse.
From lumber mills to shipyards, Tacoma’s economic heartbeat shaped a city that kept building, and eventually, building upward. While never chasing Seattle’s skyscraper sprawl, Tacoma developed a skyline all its own, rooted in history, industry, and quiet confidence.
Today, those buildings are more than steel and stone. They’re part of Tacoma’s living legacy.
Let’s take a tour of Tacoma’s tallest buildings, each with its own story to tell.
1. 1201 Pacific – 338 ft | 25 stories
(Formerly Wells Fargo Plaza)
Built in 1970 and designed by architectural legends Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this modernist tower has stood tall for over 50 years. Once home to the National Bank of Washington and later Wells Fargo, it remains Tacoma’s tallest building.
Notable for:
LEED Silver sustainability status
Sleek, minimalist facade
Early elevator modernization efforts to support growing tenancy
2. Hotel Murano – 278 ft | 26 stories
Originally opened as the Sheraton Tacoma, this structure was reinvented in 2008 as the Hotel Murano, an upscale boutique hotel inspired by glass art.
Why it’s iconic:
Features installations from global glass artists on every floor
Home to Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly’s work
A striking blend of luxury, art, and vertical design
3. Marriott Tacoma Downtown – 264 ft | 22 stories
The newest addition to Tacoma’s skyline, this 2020 high-rise connects directly to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, reflecting the city’s growing business and tourism profile.
Highlights include:
300+ rooms with smart tech
Modern energy-efficient elevators
Rooftop amenities with panoramic Puget Sound views
4. Washington Building – 237 ft | 17 stories
Built in 1925, this was Tacoma’s tallest building for decades. A gem of early 20th-century architecture, it recently transitioned from office space to apartments, continuing its evolution.
Cool features:
Classical terra cotta ornamentation
Historic interior lobby detailing
Adaptive reuse with modern vertical systems
5. Tacoma Municipal Building – 233 ft | 15 stories
An Art Deco masterpiece built in 1931, it originally served medical professionals before being purchased by the city in 1977. Today it remains Tacoma’s City Hall.
Distinguishing characteristics:
Grand marble interiors
A signature spiral staircase
Upgraded elevators to meet accessibility standards
6. Key Bank Center – 232 ft | 17 stories
Dating back to 1911, this was the city’s tallest building until 1925. With its Beaux-Arts detailing, it’s a prime example of early high-rise architecture in the Pacific Northwest.
Historical notes:
First had hand-operated elevators
Renovated in the early 2000s
Still features vintage brass elevator plates
7. Tacoma Financial Center – 230 ft | 17 stories
Completed in 1983, this reflective-glass tower reflects Tacoma’s 1980s business boom and continues to house various commercial tenants.
Why it matters:
Underwent full elevator modernization
Fast vertical transport for high-volume tenants
Efficient system layout for downtown accessibility
Connecting Floors… and Eras
From Depression-era municipal buildings to modern hotels with smart technology, Tacoma’s tallest buildings reflect more than just vertical growth. They reflect the city’s resilience, evolution, and spirit.
At Olympic Elevator, we believe elevators are more than mechanical systems. They’re the arteries of these structures, linking people, ideas, and decades of history. Whether we're preserving a classic cab or installing a high-speed system in a glass tower, we help keep Tacoma rising.
