Cirque du Soleil to Unveil All New Space Needle On June 15.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 2000

Landmark to Recreate "World's Fair" Atmosphere at Community Festival

That Showcases Results of Year-Long $20 Million Revitalization 

The Space Needle, known worldwide as the symbol of Seattle, will unveil the results of its $20 million revitalization in a World's Fair-style ceremony and community festival on June 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The centerpiece of the event will be a special performance by world-famous performance troupe Cirque du Soleil, flying in from Montreal specially for this event.

Since June 1999, crews have been working non-stop on the privately-owned Landmark, transforming both inside and out from top to bottom in an effort to provide a fresh, compelling experience for guests and to enhance the Space Needle's status as a Northwest icon. Nearly every aspect of the 1962 World's Fair centerpiece has been updated, including the entry level, restaurant, and Observation Deck, all the way down to the grounds surrounding the attraction.

The Space Needle's new look is a reflection of the determination and dedication of its owners and management to provide a high-quality, multi-dimensional experience for the more than one million customers who visit the Space Needle annually. The Howard S. Wright family, a pioneer in the development of Seattle and the Landmark's owner, has invested more than $20 million to revitalize the 38-year-old showpiece of Seattle Center.

"The improvements we have made will make the Space Needle a world-class attraction for the 21st Century," said Jeffery Wright, chairman of the Space Needle Corporation's board of directors. "My family has never been more proud to be a part of the life of this Landmark than we are today. This is our gift to the people of Seattle and all who visit our great city."

Following short remarks by Wright and other key Space Needle representatives, onlookers will be treated to the spectacular acrobatics and showmanship of Cirque du Soleil, and will have the opportunity to sample cuisine from SkyCity, the Space Needle's all-new restaurant. Locals and tourists gathering on the lawn surrounding the Broad Street Turnaround will be dazzled by the Cirque performers as their acts culminate with the "unwrapping" of the new Space Needle, which will be tied up with a massive red ribbon and bow.

Then, for the first time since construction began a year ago, guests truly will be able to "Live the View" -- an experience unique to the Space Needle. Elevator rides to the Observation Deck will cost $2 that afternoon. All monies collected will be matched by the Space Needle Corporation and donated to the Seattle Center Foundation.

Based on the Landmark's original design concept, the Space Needle's new look will continue to provide guests with the quality and value they expect, and much more. Changes being unveiled include:

-- Pavilion Level -- The official World's Fair poster in 1962

showed a grand spiral entryway leading to the elevators that

would take guests up the 605-foot Space Needle. That vision is

now a reality with the addition of the new two-story,

glass-enclosed nautilus-shaped Pavilion Level encircling the

base of the tower.

-- SkyCity -- The much-anticipated new restaurant atop the Space

Needle held its grand opening on May 24, showcasing a fresh,

new look and exceptional menu designed to complement the view

as much as please the palate. With several exclusive and

signature items; a new collection of entrees, appetizers and

desserts; and an unparalleled emphasis on guest service,

SkyCity hopes to become one of the premier dining destinations

in the region.

-- Observation Deck -- Based on the Space Needle's "Live the

View" theme, the newly-redesigned Observation Deck will have

360 degrees of unobstructed viewing. All activities have been

moved to the level's inside core, giving visitors a clear

walking path and vantage points from every angle. Not since

the Landmark opened in 1962 has there been this kind of

viewing experience.

-- Exterior -- In addition to the Broad Street Turnaround

circular valet and drop-off area on the south side of the

Space Needle, the North Plaza has been redesigned and expanded

as a more inviting and alive place for people to meet and

gather, featuring a new fountain, landscaping and seating

added.

-- Legacy Light -- The Space Needle's Legacy Light was first

illuminated at the turn of the Millennium, and has been shown

on all national holidays since. A beam of light shining

skyward from the top of the Landmark, the Legacy Light honors

leaders and commemorates special occasions in Seattle. The

Legacy Light is based on the original concept of a beam of

light shining atop the Space Needle, as depicted in the

official 1962 World's Fair poster.

Several companies have played large roles in the revitalization of the Space Needle, including Callison Architecture (architect and design), McCarthy Construction (general contractor), Ross De Alessi Lighting Design (interior and exterior lighting), Architeturra Design (SkyCity design), and Hornall Anderson Design Works (branding).

The Space Needle officially opened on April 21, 1962 -- the first day of the World's Fair. Edward E. Carlson, then president of Western International Hotels, originally penciled the shape that would become the internationally known symbol for Seattle on a place mat while traveling abroad. A marvel of architecture, construction and size (it was then the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River), the Space Needle remains the most popular attraction in the Pacific Northwest today.