SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle arts patron and philanthropist who was one of the original investors in the Space Needle has died at age 87 following a heart attack.
Bagley Wright died Monday night.
His wife, Virginia Wright, tells The Seattle Times he had been in good health but suffered a heart attack at his office and was taken to Swedish Hospital.
The Times says Wright played a key role in bringing together the investors and developers who built the Space Needle, overcoming logistical obstacles to complete it in time for the opening of the city’s 1962 World’s Fair.
He helped develop several other notable Seattle structures, including the Bank of California Building.
Wright was a founder of the Seattle Repertory Theatre. He also served as president of the Seattle Art Museum.