The Nuclear Reactor Building on the University of Washington Campus has been fighting hard for nearly two years, and following a controversial Superior Court ruling in favor of the University, the building’s future is looking bleak. The judge ruled that, as the University is an educational institution, it does not need to comply with Seattle’s landmarks preservation ordinance. The University began deconstructing the building this month but the deconstruction is currently on pause after the City issued a stop work order and notice of violation due to UW’s lack of a demolition permit.
Both on the National Register and a Seattle City Landmark, the Nuclear Reactor Building tells an important story and is an example of Brutalist architecture at its best. Brutalism, known by most for its dense concrete forms, is here represented in soaring angles and beckoning walls of glass. The building and a number of organizations and individuals have put up an impressive fight to save this iconic and historically significant landmark, and it is disappointing to see it teetering on the brink of destruction.
While the Nuclear Reactor Building may be on its last legs, it is still standing. Even it its now dilapidated state, the building stands tall, its unique roofline unmistakable above the plywood window coverings. I recommend that you visit the Save the Reactor website if you want to learn more and check updates. And carry on the battle cry of the Nuclear Reactor Building, “don’t hate me because I’m Brutal.”
Update (July 19): the Nuclear Reactor Building was demolished. I am very sad to see this building go. Fortunately there are extensive records, which I hope will be kept on file for some time to come.
Sources and Further Reading
The Seattle Times on the court ruling back in April.
Docomomo WEWA (Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement, Western Washington) has a building history and pictures of the Nuclear Reactor Building in its list of endangered properties.
Knut Berger wrote a troubling piece about how this court decision may negatively affect other endangered properties (you may have noticed this one go by if you follow me on twitter).
I previously wrote about the Nuclear Reactor Building last November. The non-boarded-up photos shown here are from this post.
Susie Trexler 
very sad to see and read this distinctive, likable, little building is being demolished. It looks, (is) much of its time, seems well worth saving and preserving to me. Discouraging to see a university (especially) take that position. Nice post. Regards from Dublin. -Arran.
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Thanks so much, Arran. Definitely sad to see. It’s such a small part of their campus, I wish they had considered other options that included saving it!
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As one who grew up in Bellevue during the 1960s this kind of architecture is dear to me. I can’t believe the UW would think of tearing down such an important building. Talk to my friend Jeff Ochsner about it and he can help (professor in the architecture school). Good luck.
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It’s always good to hear from people who have an appreciation for the architecture type, some find it hard to love! Thanks for the tip, unfortunately this building was torn down just days after I wrote this post. Hopefully the demolition at least raised some awareness and appreciation!
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