Space Needle returns to its original color

From left, Stuart Rolfe, Jeff Wright and Mauren Wright, 15, Jeff's daughter, begin painting the roof of the Space Needle its original "Galaxy Gold" on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Jeff Wright's father, Howard S. Wright, built the Space Needle. The icon is returning to its original color as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Needle and the Seattle Center. less From left, Stuart Rolfe, Jeff Wright and Mauren Wright, 15, Jeff's daughter, begin painting the roof of the Space Needle its original "Galaxy Gold" on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Jeff Wright's father, Howard S. ... more Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Space Needle returns to its original color 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

Jeff Wright still remembers the time his dad, Howard S. Wright, took him to the top of the Space Needle while it was under construction.

When the elevator doors opened at the top of the structure it was open to the air. "It was scary," he said.

The younger Wright, who was four or five at the time, crawled to the edge to look down at the site of the Worlds Fair taking shape more than 500 feet below.

Howard S. Wright, who with his company helped build many iconic structures in the Pacific Northwest, held onto his sons ankles as he peered over that precipice.

On Tuesday Jeff Wright climbed to the top of the Space Needle with one of his own children to mark the 50th anniversary of the structure.

Wright, along with his daughter Mauren, 15, helped apply the first coats of retro "Galaxy Orange" paint on the sloped roof of the Space Needle. The paint job will return the Space Needle to its original color.

"I was her age last time I was on that sloped roof," he said before beginning the transformation of the icon.

The top of the Needle will gradually become orange as weather permits. The project is scheduled to be completed by April 21st. Painting on Tuesday was halted shortly after it began because of rain.

The paint job kicks-off the 50th anniversary summer season for the Space Needle and the Seattle Center.