been renting the building to them since 1936 at a rate of $12,500 a month, for $1.35 million. Even though the payments would follow the same rate as the rent, the wealthy club members would own the building within 5 and a half years. By the 1950s, the club was beginning to outgrow its old building, now overflowing with use by over 5,000 members. In August 1953, The Washington Athletic club purchased the property to the south on which to build a three-story annex, designed by architect Harrison Overturf, which broke ground on June 24, 1954. The original building also received a major interior remodeling by interior decorator Lou Garner Swift in 1955. The new addition opened in time for the club's Silver Jubilee in 1955. An additional eight stories were added to the annex in 1970 along with further interior remodeling. The original 6th street entrance was moved into the new building and the old lobby was closed; the original 3-story entrance arch was removed entirely to avoid confusion. By 2000, the WAC had over 21,000 members and claims to have the largest membership of any health club in the country. As of today, the building houses the successful "Inn at the WAC" on the upper floors as well as gym space. The club is still the site of numerous social gatherings, lectures and is especially popular for business meetings. In July 2007, the WAC Building was one of 38 surveyed buildings in and around downtown Seattle deemed eligible for landmark status. It became official on April 9, 2010. See also List of American gentlemen's clubs List of landmarks in Seattle Gallery References External links Washington Athletic Club Website Historical Sites Survey of the Washington Athletic Club at Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic images relating to The Washington Athletic Club from the University of Washington Special Collections Historic images relating to The Washington Athletic Club from the Museum of History and Industry Buildings and structures completed in 1930 1930s architecture in the United States 1930 establishments in Washington (state) Art Deco skyscrapers Buildings and structures in Seattle Clubhouses in Washington (state) Clubs and societies in the United States Skyscraper hotels in Seattle Gentlemen's clubs in the United States Sports organizations established in 1930 Downtown Seattle National Register of Historic Places in Seattle