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First phase of Space Needle renovation complete

SEATTLE — The tarp came off last week and on Thursday morning, the Space Needle will unveil the first phase of a $100-million renovation project.

PHOTOS: Space Needle reveals new glass panels on observation deck

If you haven't been to the observation deck of the Space Needle in a while, then you are going to be in for a treat -- the view will look quite a bit different.

Instead of the wired steel cage, visitors are now greeted with glass panels that allow for a 360-degree view around the observation deck.

You’ll also get to sit on new benches made of glass that will make you feel like you are dangling straight down more than 500 feet above the ground.

There will be a total of 24 benches and about half of them should be ready for visitors by this weekend.

PHOTOS: New glass benches going in on the Space Needle observation deck

“I think it will be trippy, make people a little sick but it will be fun,” said Kacey Gardipee, a visitor from Montanta. “We’ll have to come back when it’s completely finished.”

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Initially, the plan was to have the rotating restaurant located one floor down, which is also part of the renovation project, to open up at the same time but it will not be completed by Memorial Day weekend.

Construction crews said they expect the restaurant to be open by late fall, and workers are doing everything they can to finish on time.

“We are getting out there to make sure we meet the deadline -- Sunday through Sunday; morning, afternoon, and night,” said field superintendent Sonya Miller.

There will also be new circular stairways connecting the two floors.

The Space Needle is also set to get a fresh coat of paint starting later this year. And over the next few years, brand-new elevators will also be installed.