Seattle - Flipbook - Page 14
A CULTURAL TOUCHSTONE
The year 1960 saw another Presidential
campaign, along with visits to the hotel by
Richard Nixon and John F. kennedy. But
neither the vice president nor the senator from
Massachusetts could compare to crown Prince
Akihito and crown Princess Michiko of Japan,
who toured the United States to commemorate
the centennial of the 昀椀rst trade and friendship
treaty between the two countries. The Imperial
Highnesses arrived in Seattle on October 4,
1960, and thousands turned out to witness a
rare visit by Japanese royalty.
Throughout 1961, most people were
preoccupied with construction just north of
downtown, especially the Space Needle
towering above it all. Businesses throughout
the city started getting ready for the millions
of visitors expected for the upcoming Seattle
World’s Fair—known as century 21—that
opened on April 21, 1962. Only a few weeks
after the fair opened, The Olympic Hotel was
bursting with celebrities, such as a visit from
President John F. kennedy, who was
celebrating Senator Warren Magnuson’s 25th
year in congress. In 1968, one of the largest
campaign crowds gathered in University Plaza
to see Presidential nominee Richard Nixon.
More than 5,000 people jammed the street
to hear the candidate talk from a speaker’s
platform in front of the entrance.
A NEW CHAPTER IN
SEATTLE HISTORY
As the 1970s began, The Olympic continued
to host royalty, of昀椀cially being placed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Soon,
preparations began for a major restoration
project that would close for some time.
After a multi-million million entire restoration,
The Olympic re-opened for business on
Sunday, May 23, 1982, and continues to be an
iconic presence at the epicenter of the city.
SEATTLE’S GREAT BEAUTY, REBORN
In 2020, we worked with Spanish design
studio lázaro Rosa-Violán (lRV) to conduct the
largest renovation to Fairmont Olympic hotel
in 40 years, evolving our magni昀椀cent landmark building for the current era and future
of hospitality. Designed for today’s traveler,
this $26-million transformation completely
reimagined our arrival experience and grand
lobby, bringing new life to the storied Olympic
atmosphere.
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pRESTIGE | Fairmont Olympic Hotel
