There is a lot of eager anticipation for 2017 this week, but before we jump into the new year I want to take a quick look back at 2016. First, five of my personal favorite places I visited in 2016. Below, my top five blogs this year, purely by the numbers (did your favorite make the list?). Finally, a remembrance of a building demolished in 2016 that will be much missed.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy, and see you in 2017!

Susie

Orcas Island is well worth the trip! Though who wouldn’t want a ferry ride through the San Juan Islands? (And for those into high style and ghost stories, look no further than the Moran Mansion.)

The Past Forward Conference in Houston this November surpassed all my expectations. Not only was the weather gorgeous, I got to see some beautiful architecture including some Midcentury Modern houses like this one.

The historic Columbia Gorge highway is a beautiful drive, tucked along the ridge above the newer highway. The highlight is most definitely the Vista House.

Oregon Caves: who knew there would be such great architecture and beautiful (above-ground too!) scenery there? A definite new favorite spot.

I’ve been admiring Smith Tower from afar since the day I moved to Seattle. I’m so glad they finally reopened their doors!

What about your favorites? These were the top nine photos on my Instagram this year:

The 2016 Top Five (not to be missed!):

1. St. Paul’s: the Space Needle’s Unlikely Companion
2. Portland’s 3 Best Historic Estates (A must-read if you’re headed to Portland)
3. Extravagant Art in Improbable Places
4. Preservation Meets Art (I had so much fun on this collaboration with Amy!)
5. Revitalize Washington: Top 5 Take-Aways

 

Lost But Not Forgotten

Last but not least, a quick look back on a historic building lost in 2016. The demolition of Seattle’s Nuclear Reactor Building is a loss today but also for the future. This building told the story not only of technological advances, but of architecture that is a showcase for its use. It was the most accessible form of Brutalist architecture I’ve ever seen, with lines and glass walls that seemed to defy the predominantly concrete construction. You can see my past posts on the Nuclear Reactor Building here:

1. Nuclear Reactor Building: Unique 1961 Building Threatened with Demolition
2. Saying Goodbye to the Nuclear Reactor Building

“And we will probably be judged not by the monuments we build but by those we have destroyed.” – Ada Louise Huxtable