Uchikura & Co., LLC

Columbia Tower Club Has Closed

 

The Columbia Tower Club, located at the top of Seattle’s Columbia Center, has closed after 41 years. It was once one of Seattle’s icons, sitting high above the city in what was long known as the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

 

Its closing is more than the loss of a private club. It is another sign of what has happened to downtown Seattle. Office vacancy downtown has reached roughly 35% to nearly 40%, and fewer workers mean fewer customers, fewer meetings, and less business activity.

 

For years, Seattle’s city policies have made downtown harder for businesses to operate in. Public safety concerns, high costs, remote work, and weak confidence have all contributed to the decline. When a landmark like the Columbia Tower Club can no longer survive, it should be a wake-up call.

 

Seattle needs leadership that understands business, safety, and growth. Without that, more icons will disappear.