UW Tower

The UW Tower is wheelchair-accessible via the lobby entrance located on the north plaza near the corner of NE 45th Street & Brooklyn Ave NE and via the skybridge entrance located on the third level of the Tower garage (W46) .

Disability parking is available in the Tower garage, from which the building is accessible via the skybridge into the C-2 area of the building. If you are going to the Auditorium, the accessible entrance is via the ADA door in front of UW Press.

Accessible restrooms are located in the following locations:

• T-22, T-17, T-14, T-7. T-1
• O-4 near UW Press & the Auditorium
• C-2 north, C-2 south (Lobby Level)
• C-01 South near the Emergency Operations Center
• O-01
• S-LL locker room

Transit and shuttles

The U District is one of the biggest transit hubs in the region. In addition to the new light rail station that opened in fall 2021, dozens of bus routes stop frequently within a block or two of the Tower on NE 45th St, University Way (the Ave), 15th Ave NE, Roosevelt Way NE, and 11th and 12th Aves. NE. Bus schedules and maps are located on the far northeast corner wall of the cafeteria on C-4. For more information and a list of popular routes, go to UW Transportation Services.

UW’s Dial A Ride and Night Ride shuttles stop in front of the Tower. The Health Sciences Express and Fred Hutch/SLU shuttles stop at UW Medical Center - Roosevelt, which is two blocks southwest of the Tower at 4245 Roosevelt Way NE.

Walking and biking

The UW Tower is about a seven-minute walk from Red Square. The main entrance is best approached on foot from the corner of NE 45th St. and Brooklyn Ave NE.

Bike racks are available outside the main Tower lobby and inside the Tower garage. Secure bike storage is also available on an annual paid basis inside the Tower garage. More information on bike parking options (free and paid) and best practices for security is available at UW Transportation Services. 

Driving

These directions are to the Tower garage entrance on 12th Ave NE. If you are dropping someone off, you will want to go to the main entrance of the Tower on the corner of NE 45th St. and Brooklyn Ave NE.

From I-5 South:

• Take exit 169 toward NE 45th St
• Merge onto 7th Ave NE
• Turn right at NE 45th St
• Turn right at 12th Ave NE

From I-5 North

• Take exit 169 toward NE 45th St
• Merge onto 5th Ave NE
• Turn left at NE 45th St
• Turn right at 12th Ave NE

Parking is available in the UW Tower garage for both visitors and building occupants. A skybridge connects the garage to the second floor of UW Tower C. 

All vehicles must have a valid UW parking permit. Visitors may pay for parking at a machine in the garage or, if need be, at a campus gatehouse. Rate information and permit options for students and employees are available at UW Transportation Services. Vehicles without valid permits are subject to citation.

UW Tower Operations is available weekdays from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and can be reached at uwtower@uw.edu or 206-685-5648.

UW Tower Security is available during 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday thru Friday at 206-685-5555 or email them at secdesk@uw.edu.

The Tower Mail & Copy Center is available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at towerdp@uw.edu or 206-543-9591.

Tower staff