A decommissioned Boeing 747 fuselage has been installed between two 47-story residential towers at 1200 Stewart St., creating a striking centerpiece that pays tribute to Seattle’s aviation legacy.
The aircraft, once operated by United Airlines, is being suspended about 14 feet above ground as part of the WB 1200 Project in the city’s Denny Triangle neighborhood, near South Lake Union. The mixed-use development includes apartments, retail and office space.
Developers sourced the jet from a storage facility in Victorville, California, in 2019. It was dismantled into dozens of sections and transported to Seattle for refurbishment. The fuselage has been stripped to its aluminum frame, while the nose, tail and landing gear remain intact.
The installation will serve as a unique workspace within a three-story podium at the base of the towers. Plans for the complex also include retail space, offices and entertainment venues.
The aircraft, identified as N178UA, first flew in 1990 and was retired in 2017 after decades of long-haul service. During its operational life, it carried up to 374 passengers.
Construction crews have completed much of the exterior installation, with additional work ongoing to stabilize the structure against movement and seismic activity. Engineers have reinforced the building to support the aircraft’s weight and limit vibration.
The project has drawn widespread attention from residents and commuters, particularly drivers entering Interstate 5 nearby, and has bec