The Skinner Building was named after D.E. Skinner, a director of the Metropolitan Building Company. D.E. Skinner was also the principal of a number of other business enterprises, including the Port Blakely Mill and the Skinner Corporation.

The historic 5th Avenue Theatre is an original tenant of the Skinner Building. After a $2.6 million renovation in 1980, it continues to feature popular Broadway productions. The Theatre also marks the 5th Avenue entrance to the underground pedestrian concourse that connects the Skinner Building to Union Square and Rainier Square.

The Skinner Building is also home to a number of high quality luxury retailers: Brooks Brothers, Nancy Meyer Fine Lingerie, Vessel, St. John Boutique, Silberman & Brown, and Gucci are all accessible on Fifth Avenue.

The Skinner Building is a Seattle classic with old-fashioned elegance and modern amenities. In 1988, the building was enhanced with new glass entry doors, vestibule lights, and a new lobby ceiling. In 2000, the re-lighted tenant lobbies and corridors were completed and in 2006, the historic elevator cabs were refurbished.