End of an Era, The Columbia Tower Club

End of an Era, The Columbia Tower Club

Last week, in the middle of dozens of emails, was a notice that I never expected--the closure of a club that has meant so much to me over 41 years.

Located in the 75th and 76th floors of the tallest building west of the Mississippi (at least it was then), The Columbia Tower Club was known for its elegance, 360 degree vistas, fine dining and women’s rest rooms with full window views. Men tried to barge in regularly to see what everyone was talking about. Plus, this was the one place in Seattle besides Canlis that required men to wear a jacket. It was the happening place.

My member number is 41. I was the 41st person and a Founding Member to join the club shortly after Martin Selig announced his plan to build a premier club at the top of his iconic tower.

It was the site of so many memorable events for me—grand birthday parties, breakfasts with clients, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and wine tastings. After a few years, I became chair of the Membership Committee and then was a long tenured board member. There were weeks that I had so many meetings at the Club that I just went home to sleep.

Things changed over the years. The dress code became more casual to welcome tech members less wild 1980s parties and the last remodel removed the elegance.

Long time members started getting older and moving to sunnier climes and younger members did not find the camaraderie that was originally treasured. Membership declined.

Covid did the Club in eventually. No office people around for power lunches, no fun events, committees dissolved and the club shrank in size and barely survived.

Covid ended but this majestic building is nearly empty of the professionals who made it viable. Sadly, like all good things, The Columbia Tower Club is coming to an end in a few weeks.

My husband and I had dinner there last week and said good bye to a magical place during a magical era when Seattle had found its place in the world.

 As a Founding and Life Member, CTC, you will be missed.

Chris Doucet D41

LUXURY TRENDS | OCTOBER 2025 | CHRIS DOUCET

COMPASS LUXURY COLLECTION October’s Most Remarkable Estates October unveils a collection of extraordinary homes where architecture, history, and landscape meet in rare harmony. In New York’s Hudson Valley, Mill Farm spans more than 2,000 protected acres, its storied Mill House set directly on a flowing stream that once powered its hydro turbine mill. In Telluride, Dream Catcher is carved into sandstone cliffs, a retreat of glass and native rock overlooking the valley below. And in New Hampshire, Knollwood stands as a Georgian masterpiece once visited by presidents and writers alike, surrounded by gardens and mountain views that stretch for miles. Together they define the season’s most exceptional living, each residence a testament to craftsmanship, legacy, and enduring design. View Featured Property ARIZONA View Properties>> CALIFORNIA View Properties>> COLORADO View Properties>> CONNECTICUT View Properties>>

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Chris Doucet Founding Partner in Seattle M: 206.819.4663 chris.doucet@compass.com

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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October King County Market Watch NW | Chris Doucet

King County’s housing market saw mixed movement this past week, with active listings down 3% and new listings declining 9%, signaling tighter inventory heading into October. Despite fewer new listings, closed sales rose 7% week-over-week, showing continued buyer engagement. The average sold price increased 1.7% and price per square foot climbed 3%, reflecting steady demand for well-positioned homes. While pending sales eased slightly (-6%), homes are still moving efficiently with an average of 41 days on market, suggesting a balanced yet competitive environment as fall approaches. Contact me today to set up a consultation in person or virtually to learn more about market conditions, Compass Concierge, and how I can leverage our nationwide network to source buyers to sell your home for more money.

Chris Doucet Founding Partner in Seattle M: 206.819.4663 chris.doucet@compass.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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LUXURY TRENDS | SEPTEMBER 2025 | CHRIS DOUCET

Historic Character & Contemporary Luxury Meet at 145 Reade Street 145 Reade Street is a spectacular, 23.5 foot wide, limestone and brick townhouse, situated in the heart of TriBeCa. The home features four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, four half bathrooms, and nine fireplaces. The property was originally built in 1910 and was subsequently rebuilt in 2013 with the use of only the finest available finishes. No expense was spared in the ultra luxury renovation. Compass Luxury was thrilled to sit down with Vickey Barron to learn more about this exceptional property.

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SPOTLIGHT Inside the $10M+ Market: What Top Compass Agents Are Seeing Nationwide Compass Luxury turned to the experts at the forefront of luxury real estate to understand what’s truly happening at the highest tier of the market today. We surveyed elite Compass agents nationwide to take the pulse of the ultra-luxury space and gain deeper insight into this ever-evolving landscape. LEARN MORE

LIFESTYLE Penthouse Properties Experience the epitome of luxury living in these pristine penthouses, offering breathtaking sky-high views that elevate your senses to new heights. EXPLORE

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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LUXURY TRENDS | AUGUST 2025 | CHRIS DOUCET

COMPASS LUXURY COLLECTION Homes That Defined The Summer This August brings a curated collection of estates where heritage and modernity meet. In Miami’s prestigious Ponce-Davis, a gated estate unfolds across nearly 42,000 square feet of lush grounds, blending grand formal living with resort-style outdoor retreats. Massachusetts offers a storied seaside escape, while along Lake Michigan a newly built sanctuary pairs panoramic views with private beachfront. On Fifth Avenue, a rare duplex frames Central Park in its finest light. Each home tells a story of setting and scale, inviting life at its most refined. Together they capture the spirit of summer living in extraordinary form. These are addresses destined to be remembered. View Featured Property ARIZONA View Properties>> CALIFORNIA View Properties>> COLORADO View Properties>> CONNECTICUT View Properties>>

DELAWARE View Properties>> DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA View Properties>> FLORIDA View Properties>> GEORGIA View Properties>> HAWAII View Properties>> IDAHO View Properties>>

ILLINOIS View Properties>> INDIANA View Properties>> KANSAS View Properties>> LOUISIANA View Properties>> MAINE View Properties>> MARYLAND View Properties>> MASSACHUSETTS View Properties>> MINNESOTA View Properties>> MISSOURI View Properties>> NEVADA View Properties>> NEW HAMPSHIRE View Properties>> NEW JERSEY View Properties>> NEW YORK View Properties>> NORTH CAROLINA View Properties>> PENNSYLVANIA View Properties>> RHODE ISLAND View Properties>> SOUTH CAROLINA View Properties>> TENNESEE View Properties>> TEXAS View Properties>> VIRGINIA View Properties>> WASHINGTON View Properties>> WISCONSIN View Properties>> WYOMING View Properties>> INTERNATIONAL View Properties>> View All Luxury Properties

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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