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, located by the elevator on the third level of the W46 garage, which will lead you into the C-2 area of the building. Disability parking is also available in the W46 garage. Parking garages are managed by UW Transportation Services.

If you need access into the Auditorium, the accessible entrance is via the ADA door in front of UW Press where you will need to be escorted by Tower staff.

Accessible restrooms are available 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 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. Learn more about your transit options from UW Transportation Services.

UW’s Dial-A-Ride and NightRide 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. Learn more about bike parking options (free and paid) and best practices for security from UW Transportation Services. 

Review the state-wide rules regarding the use of electric scooters/bikes inside buildings (WAC 478-116-119).

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 from 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 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at towerdp@uw.edu or 206-543-9591.

Tower staff