Cultural attractions stand as monuments to Microsoft wealth

It can be a challenge to tour Microsoft, but it’s easy to see cultural attractions that Microsoft wealth has created in Seattle. Here’s a list of some of the places that stand as monuments to the billions in personal wealth the company created in the 1990s:

Experience Music Project: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s loud shrine to rock ‘n’ roll displays part of his music memorabilia collection. In the same complex is another Allen pet project, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Off Fifth Avenue near the base of the Space Needle. Combo ticket: $26.95 general; $19.95 youth (7-17), senior citizens and military; 6 and younger free. (206-367-5483, www.emplive.org, www.sfhomeworld.org)

Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering: Allen went to Washington State University, but he and other ex-Microsoft executives paid for much of the University of Washington building that opened in 2003. He also funded a wing of the library named after his late father, who was an associate librarian there.

Qwest Field: Washington taxpayers financed much of the football stadium, but Allen owns the Seattle Seahawks, who play there.

Allentown: Allen’s trying to make his next fortune in real estate. His biggest project is the redevelopment of the formerly blue-collar zone south of Lake Union and north of downtown Seattle, where his Vulcan development company is adding condominiums, office towers and facilities for biotechnology research outfits. Allen is trying to coax more city support for the project, including a new streetcar line.

An elaborate, interactive diorama pitching his vision for the area is on display at a new sales office and visitor center called the South Lake Union Discovery Center, at Westlake Avenue and Denny Way. Condos going up across the street are priced at $300,000 to $2 million.

Gates of academia: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates paid for most of William H. Gates Hall, the UW School of Law’s new building, which was named after his father, a lawyer. It’s near the northwestern corner of the Seattle campus, off 15th Avenue Northeast and just south of the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Between Suzzallo Library and Drumheller Fountain on campus is Mary Gates Hall, named for Bill’s mother.

Brier Dudley, The Seattle Times