Top 10 Best Abandoned Buildings in Seattle, WA: A Journey Through the City’s Forgotten Past

Seattle is a city rich in history, innovation, and architectural beauty. But beneath the modern skyline and bustling streets lies another Seattle—one of abandoned buildings and forgotten spaces that whisper stories of the past. These neglected sites, while mostly inaccessible or off-limits, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial roots, cultural evolution, and ghostly presence. For those curious about the eerie beauty of Seattle’s abandoned spots, here’s a list of the top 10 best abandoned buildings in the city.click here fore abandone places

1. The Georgetown Steam Plant

Tucked away in the Georgetown neighborhood, the Georgetown Steam Plant is one of Seattle's most historically significant and intriguing abandoned buildings. Built in 1906, it was once the primary power source for Seattle’s electric grid. The plant was ahead of its time, featuring innovative engineering and the world’s first concrete-steel hybrid building. Though it stopped operations in the 1970s, the plant remains largely intact, preserving its original machinery and architecture. The plant is also designated as a National Historic Landmark, making it a rare and protected piece of Seattle’s industrial past.

Why visit? The Georgetown Steam Plant offers an amazing opportunity to step into a relic of early 20th-century industrial design, and it’s a haven for those fascinated by vintage machinery and urban exploration.

2. The Smith Tower

Located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, the Smith Tower was once one of Seattle’s tallest buildings when it opened in 1914. The building’s distinctive Beaux-Arts style and history as a major office building during Seattle’s early 20th-century boom make it a notable landmark. It was used for various purposes over the decades but was abandoned in the early 2000s. Though plans for renovation have been discussed, it still sits vacant, with its ornate facade and historic details standing as a reminder of Seattle’s once-prominent skyline.

Why visit? While not open to the public, the Smith Tower’s abandoned nature makes it an iconic piece of the city’s architectural history, and urban explorers are drawn to its majestic exterior and empty, decaying interiors.

3. The Seattle Underground

The Seattle Underground is a hidden gem located beneath the city’s Pioneer Square district. This series of underground passageways and rooms were once the streets of Seattle, but after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city rebuilt at a higher elevation, leaving the old streets beneath the new ones. Today, these subterranean spaces are mostly abandoned, though they have become a popular tourist attraction, offering tours that explore the lost streets of the past. While much of the underground is accessible to the public via guided tours, sections remain off-limits and largely forgotten.

Why visit? It’s a unique opportunity to explore the original foundations of Seattle—literally walking through the city’s past—and experience an eerie, underground world.

4. The Old Rainier Brewery

The Rainier Brewery, once a major part of Seattle’s brewing heritage, was built in 1932 and became an iconic part of the city’s skyline. After being shut down in the 1990s, the brewery was abandoned, leaving behind a fascinating complex of Art Deco-style buildings. Over the years, various parts of the brewery have been demolished, but the iconic Rainier Tower, with its large neon sign, remains a testament to the city’s industrial and cultural history. While portions of the site have been renovated into businesses and apartments, the abandoned parts of the brewery still exude an air of mystery.

Why visit? The Rainier Brewery remains a symbol of Seattle’s industrial heyday. Urban explorers enjoy its historic architecture and the remnants of the brewery's past operations.

5. The Ballard Annex Building

Located near Ballard’s industrial district, the Ballard Annex Building is a striking, abandoned structure with a fascinating past. The building was once part of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper’s headquarters. When the newspaper moved, the building was left vacant. Despite its deteriorating state, the building remains a striking example of early 20th-century commercial architecture in Seattle. Its mix of brick, metal, and glass elements is slowly decaying, but the structure’s history remains embedded in the city’s growth.

Why visit? For those who love urban exploration, the Ballard Annex offers an immersive dive into Seattle’s journalistic past, with its period details and historical significance.

6. The Washington State Insane Asylum (Ravensdale Asylum)

Located outside Seattle in Ravensdale, Washington, the Washington State Insane Asylum is an abandoned psychiatric hospital with a chilling history. Opened in the early 20th century, it was designed to house patients with mental illnesses but was later shut down due to poor conditions and controversial practices. While much of the site has been demolished, the remains of the asylum—such as old buildings and dilapidated structures—still stand, creating an eerie environment for those who dare to visit.

Why visit? The site offers a haunting glimpse into the often-troubled history of mental health care in the United States, as well as a chance to explore one of the region’s most chilling abandoned places.

7. The U.S. Naval Reserve Armory (The Armory)

Situated along the waterfront near downtown Seattle, the U.S. Naval Reserve Armory was constructed in the 1940s and was once a pivotal site for military training and operations. After its decommissioning, the Armory was left abandoned for many years. The building’s massive, fortress-like architecture, complete with high ceilings and imposing concrete walls, makes it an imposing yet intriguing location. Though it’s no longer in disrepair and has been repurposed in recent years, parts of the building's history still linger.

Why visit? The armory’s brutalist architecture and military history make it a fascinating location for those interested in Seattle’s military past, even though much of it has been renovated.

8. The Sand Point Naval Air Station

Located in Magnuson Park, the Sand Point Naval Air Station was once a thriving military base during World War II and the Cold War era. The airfield served as a major site for naval aviation until its closure in the 1970s. Many of the base’s buildings were abandoned and left to decay over the years. While some parts of the base have been repurposed into public spaces, a few of the old military structures still stand empty, with the remnants of the airstrip and hangars evoking a sense of the past.

Why visit? The Sand Point Naval Air Station is a reminder of Seattle’s strategic military importance during wartime. It’s an ideal location for explorers who want to get a glimpse into the military history of the region.

9. The King Street Station Train Depot

King Street Station is one of Seattle’s most well-known and historic landmarks, serving as the primary train station for the city since 1906. While the station is not entirely abandoned, parts of the building, such as the lower levels and storage areas, have been left unused for decades. Visitors can still admire the station's striking Romanesque Revival architecture and explore the sections that have not yet been renovated or fully restored.

Why visit? The King Street Station is a piece of Seattle's transportation history, showcasing a magnificent blend of architecture and the stories of passengers who once passed through its halls.

10. The Old Central Police Station

Seattle’s Old Central Police Station, built in 1909, is another gem of the city’s abandoned structures. This neoclassical building, located near the heart of downtown, housed the police department until the 1980s. After being abandoned, the building fell into disrepair, and parts of it were used for various purposes, including storage. Though it’s not as well-known as other abandoned buildings in the city, it holds historical significance and a fascinating architectural style that stands in stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers nearby.

Why visit? The Old Central Police Station represents an era of Seattle’s police history, and its distinctive architecture is a window into the city's early 20th-century urban landscape.

Conclusion

Seattle’s abandoned buildings represent a rich tapestry of history—industrial, military, medical, and architectural—each telling a unique story of the past. While many of these buildings are off-limits or in the process of being redeveloped, they continue to intrigue and captivate those who are fascinated by urban exploration and the beauty of forgotten spaces. These places are a reminder of Seattle’s growth, the ebb and flow of industries, and the transient nature of progress. For those lucky enough to visit or explore, they offer an exciting and haunting glimpse into a forgotten era of Seattle’s storied past.