In keeping with its Seattle roots, the Space Needle was first conceptualized on a coffeehouse place mat. Edward E. Carlson designed this tower for the 1962 Seattle World`s Fair to epitomize the future. Its elevator takes 43 seconds to "rocket" visitors to the observation deck of this 605-foot tower, from which there is a spectacular 360-degree view. The Space Needle also contains a revolving restaurant with a very futuristic theme -- albeit ala the early `60s. The restaurant`s platform is balanced so precisely, that it only requires a single horsepower engine to turn. Further engineering acumen was required to design the Needle to withstand earthquakes and 200 mile per hour winds. The structure was put to the test in 1965, when it endured a 6.5 Richter scale earthquake. Although the tower swayed dramatically, a radio show broadcasting from the Observation Deck during the tremor noted that the record they were playing never skipped a beat. Recently, the Seattle Space Needle has enjoyed a much-needed renovation! Hand blown and hand decorated in Poland, our Space Needle ornament comes to you nestled in our custom gift box.