Information in this article, previously published June 14, was corrected June 26. In a previous version of the Seattle skyline graphic, a building under construction was misidentified as the "Fourth and Madison Building." The name of the building is the "IDX Tower at Fourth & Madison." The 40-story office tower was named for the company that will be its prime tenant, IDX Systems Corp.

SHOWING OFF We're here to help you show off the Seattle area to your summertime visitors — and teach even you locals a few things. Other ways to show off: International flavor Dew the zoo More ...

A skyline cheat sheet to wow your guests

By Jack Broom
Seattle Times staff reporter

As you pull away from the waterfront on a Bainbridge ferry, Aunt Girt and Uncle Ernie start asking you to name the skyscrapers they're looking at. And you realize two things:

(1) The best you can come up with is what a couple of them used to be called.

(2) Because Girt and Ernie are from Topeka, you can make up any names you want ... Starbucks Center, Dot-Com Pavilion, Ivar-ee Tower ...

But here's another option. Clip out this photo and bring it along. Now you're equipped with the names of 14 prominent buildings, their identities supplied by the Downtown Seattle Association and the Building Owners and Managers Association.

And, of course, your kin will want to know the tallest. That's the Bank of America Tower, formerly the Columbia Seafirst Center, at 76 stories.

Almost a forgotten part of the skyscraper scene these days is humble 42-story Smith Tower, which, when completed in 1914, was the tallest building in the world outside of New York City.