YWCA Family Village at Issaquah

Client: YWCA Seattle/King/Snohomish
Location: Issaquah, Washington
Contact: Poppi Handy
Program: 146 units of affordable housing, community and childcare centers, and YWCA offices.
Highlights: Built Green 4-Star and LEED NC Gold certifications pending. Governor’s Smart Communities Award, King County Green Globes Outstanding Achievement Award, and PCBC Gold Nugget 2012 Award of Merit for a Green Sustainable Residential Community.

YWCA Family Village at Issaquah is an example of what can be accomplished through an innovative collaboration between city, county, and national partners to bridge the gap between working-class families’ incomes and ever-increasing housing costs. The Family Village is an environmentally and socially progressive, transit-oriented design: it seamlessly integrates a public plaza, childcare facility, and family gathering spaces amidst multi-family housing. YWCA Family Village at Issaquah is more than just buildings, it’s a community. A living-space that empowers residents and enriches the Issaquah Highlands.

Kenyon House

Client: Bellwether Housing- Developer and Owner, Building Changes, Sound Mental Health
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: John Woodworth
Program: 18 studio apartments and supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and with mental illness.
Highlights: LEED for Homes, Platinum Certification, Built Smart Certified, SeaGreen Certified.

The Kenyon House provides affordable, appropriately designed apartments and supportive service space to people with multiple mental and physical health challenges, with a focus on homeless individuals diagnosed with HIV. In tandem with its close proximity to the Othello Light Rail Station, universal design principles, barrier-free units, and sustainable building techniques were employed to reach the vision of the structure. Kenyon House creates independence for residents while providing numerous spatial opportunities for staff and resident interaction; the space allows for supervision without losing a home-like feel.

Pantages Apartments

Client: Capitol Hill Housing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Dean Kralios
Program: 1908 Seattle Landmark rehab and 49 units of new construction housing.
Highlights: Built Green 3-Star Certified. Recipient of the American Institute of Architects “Show You’re Green” Award, American Institute of Architects “FutureShack” Public Jury Selection.

Located on an infill site in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, the project involved the adaptive-reuse of the 1908 Pantages House, a city landmark, and the construction of a new five-story, wood-framed building. The house was converted into four apartments, a library, and other common space for the overall development, while the remaining 45 apartments are located in the new structure. Open space between the buildings is bridged with a shared, landscaped courtyard. The Pantages Apartments bring the old and new together sustainably and seamlessly

Artspace Hiawatha

Client: Artspace Projects
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Douglas Ito
Program: 61 units of artist live/work housing, commercial storefronts and parking.
Highlights: ESDS Certified, Vision 20/40 Award.

Artspace Hiawatha was designed as a specific response to the Mt. Baker Neighborhood Master Plan for this urban infill site: provide mixed-use, low-income, artist live-work housing with neighborhood retail and space for community gatherings. This building takes inspiration from the industrial buildings that traditionally house artist communities in edgier urban areas, using metal siding, grouped window composition, and the solid massing characteristic of warehouses. A roof deck, artist gallery, and community spaces are geared toward the residents and work together to create an active, vibrant artist live-work environment that performs for all.

Cooper School Artist Lofts/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

Client: Delridge Neighborhood Development Association (DNDA)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Douglas Ito
Program: 36 units of affordable artist housing, offices, various community rooms and theater.
Highlights: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located in Seattle’s Delridge neighborhood, this American Renaissance style brick school building was designed in 1917 by noted Architect Edgar Blair, with a significant expansion completed in 1929 by Architect Floyd Naramore. In 1989, the building was vacated due to seismic safety concerns, but rehabilitation was part of a larger neighborhood plan. Improvements included seismic strengthening, the addition of an elevator, and improved accessibility. Care was taken to integrate new programs without compromising the building’s historic characteristics. The completed facility is a vibrant arts community and an invaluable neighborhood resource.

Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts

Client: Artspace Projects
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Douglas Ito
Program: Artist housing and arts-related commercial/gallery spaces, and parking.
Highlights: Originally built in 1908 and 1906. SeaGreen Certified.

Located on the edge of the Pioneer Square Historic District and International District, the redeveloped Tashiro and Kaplan buildings provide a unique live-work space for local artists. A complete rehabilitation included envelope, seismic, life-safety, and systems upgrades as well as a three-story addition to the Kaplan building. The building not only provides living space for artists, it houses multiple galleries, a 110-person community room, and 40,000 square feet of commercial space including a coffee shop and arts-related entities. The Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts is a lively creative community that is a must-stop for visual art and other cultural activities.

King County Courthouse

Client: King County/Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Vernon Abelsen
Program: Historic restoration of elevator lobby, corridors and two exterior entrances.
Highlights: Originally built in 1915. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. King County Landmark in Pioneer Square Historic District.

A county landmark, the King County Courthouse is a 12-story, stone, brick, and terra cotta clad civic structure located prominently in downtown Seattle. Following the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, the building underwent major seismic and fire/life safety improvements that included concrete at the lower floors and steel frame on the upper levels. Renovated interior and exterior areas returned the building to its former elegance by enhancing public spaces with architectural elements that recall original design details. The building is stronger and restored, reconnecting citizens to their Hall of Justice.

King County Library - Greenbridge Branch

Client: King County Library
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Poppi Handy
Program: Community classrooms, career center, branch library, YWCA offices and YWCA Greenbridge GirlsFirst Leadership program.
Highlights: BuiltGreen 3-Star Certified.

Located on a key street corner in the Greenbridge Community, this library specializes in services for children and was designed to be engaging and inviting. The main lobby is centered in the building, welcoming visitors from all entries, an open floor plan design encourages collaborative programming with YWCA services, and large windows take advantage of natural lighting (allowing light deep within the library space while providing views of the surrounding community). The design of the Greenbridge branch of the King County Library system truly supports and encourages their mission of serving children in the community.

Seattle Public Library - Delridge Branch

Client: Delridge Neighborhood Development Association (DNDA)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact John Woodworth
Program: 19 units of affordable family housing over a 5,600 square foot branch library.
Highlights: BuiltSmart Certified. Features locally inspired artwork created by local artists Nick Lyle and Jean Whitesavage.

The Delridge Library and Vivian McLean Place Apartments is a unique cohabitation of public library and affordable housing space. The building’s ground floor houses the library, which provides a reading lounge, internet work stations, a children’s area, as well as community meeting rooms available to the neighborhood. The building’s upper floors contain affordable apartments configured around a common room that opens onto a large, landscaped terrace for resident use. Raised planting beds allow residents to grow their own produce.

YWCA Learning Center at Greenbridge

Client: YWCA Seattle / King / Snohomish
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Poppi Handy
Program: Community classrooms, career center, branch library, YWCA offices and YWCA Greenbridge GirlsFirst Leadership program.
Highlights: Built Green 3-Star Certified.

Part of the larger Greenbridge Neighborhood Master Plan, the YWCA Learning Center is a 10,000 square-foot, multi-use facility designed to offer residents the education and support they need to find and maintain gainful employment. Building design involved multiple stakeholders: a collaborative approach was used to create a transit-oriented, eco-conscious building that enhanced the lives of the occupants and community. YWCA Learning Center is a comfortable community space for neighborhood residents to learn and grow.

FareStart Building

Client: FareStart
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Douglas Ito
Program: Commercial kitchens, classrooms, offices and restaurant.
Highlights: Home to FareStart Restaurant.

The FareStart program is an intensive training program that combines over 16 weeks of hands-on food service training with classroom instruction, case management, and job placement. The building, originally built in the 1930’s, was completely rehabilitated to meet FareStart program needs and modern safety requirements. Exposed ceilings, large windows, and an open floor plan enhance natural light and create volume, while the combination of wood and metal ground the interior space. The FareStart Building shows how an existing building can be re-imagined to serve modern, practical applications in a refined way.

509 Fairview

Client: Walsh Construction Co.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Michael Romine
Program: Offices
Highlights: Design inspired by mid-century modern aesthetic of the original building.

Inspired by the mid-century period aesthetic of the existing architecture, 509 Fairview was rehabilitated from an uninsulated, unused warehouse space to a modern commercial office building. New metal panels and the utilization of bold colors compliment the building’s modern, industrial aesthetic. Energy efficient windows provide much needed insulation while simultaneously maximizing the use of daylight and giving occupants an expansive view of Lake Union. 509 Fairview is an example of how restorative architecture can both enhance the natural beauty of existing structures and incorporate eco-friendly building practices.

Madison Heights Townhomes

Client: Mannon McConnachie & Associates
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact John Woodworth
Program: Seven townhouse units over parking garage.
Highlights: Building creates view opportunities that respect neighboring residential structures.

Situated in Seattle’s Miller Park neighborhood, Madison Heights Townhomes show how architecture and strategic design can be utilized to create spaces that respect existing residential structures while taking advantage of view opportunities. The units are two to three stories, have varied floor plans, and all are situated over a common parking garage. In addition, each residence has large, covered individual entries, a private deck, and landscaped yards (both front and back). The unique combination of community and privacy distinguish Madison Heights from similar condominium developments.

Malden Court Condominiums

Client: Threshold Housing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Douglas Ito
Program: Ten townhouse units over recessed parking.
Highlights: Architecture inspired by Seattle’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood.

Designed to resemble the large, craftsman-style houses typical to the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Malden Court exemplifies how architecture can be both practical and meet the aesthetic needs of the builders, buyers, and local community. The exterior of the condominiums mirrors adjacent single-family residences, offering owners an alternative to either standard stacked-flat buildings or row houses. Large windows allow natural light into each unit, while open floor plans create space for occupants. A courtyard between buildings and a common patio complete the Malden Court community.

Terry Denny Building

Client: Samis Land Company
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Douglas Ito
Program: Renovated housing, commercial space and parking for tenants.
Highlights: A wood frame, brick masonry building originally built in 1890 as the Northern Hotel.

In the heart of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood sits the Terry Denny Building. A renovation of the wood framed, unreinforced structure included new elevators, new exit stairs and life/safety upgrades, seismic reinforcement, and bracing. In addition, a sixth floor with eight new penthouses was added. In an effort to balance the old with the modern, original millwork, doors, and window trim were removed, cleaned, and then reused in the rehabilitation process. The original character and charm of the building was maintained while providing the amenities and comforts of today.

Rainier House

Client: Downtown Emergency Service Center
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Dean Kralios
Program: 50 studio apartments and supportive services for formerly homeless men and women living with chronic mental illness. Also home to the Rainer Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Highlights: Built Green 3-Star Certified. ABC Excellence in Construction Award for Mixed-Use Building, 2010.

Rainier House was established with the primary goal of providing housing for low-income, disabled individuals earning up to 30 percent of the area’s median income. The building includes a residential community area in addition to offering case management, health services, and state-licensed mental health treatment offices. Decorative brick veneer, large ground-floor storefront windows, fiber-cement lap-siding and metal canopies were used to complement the architecture of the historic buildings found in the adjacent Columbia City Landmark District and Hillman City neighborhood.

St. Charles Apartments

Client: Plymouth Housing Group
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Vernon Abelsen
Program: Rehabilitation of the historic Rector Hotel to house 65 new apartments for formerly homeless individuals.
Highlights: After rehabilitation, the building became listed on the National Register for Historic Places.

Located on a prominent corner in downtown Seattle, the six-story mixed-use building houses St. Charles Apartments, services for the formerly homeless, and a commercial café. Originally built as a hotel in 1913, the building underwent a year-long rehabilitation that included major seismic improvements, fire/life safety upgrades, new heating, ventilation, and electrical systems and the addition of a residential community area. The exterior facades and interior common areas, including the lobby and corridors, were brought back to their original splendor by retaining and restoring historic materials.

Villa Apartments

Client: Capitol Hill Housing
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Michael Romine
Program: Rehabilitation of 62 units of housing, commercial space and on-site parking.
Highlights: Award of Merit from Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, 2000.

Originally built as a hotel in 1908, this brick and heavy-timber building sits on Seattle’s First Hill at the gateway from downtown to the Pike-Pine corridor. As a mixed-use building, the space accommodates local retailers, affordable housing units, and on-site parking: its aesthetic blends well into the neighborhood and has received solid support from community residents and business owners. Views from the units overlook a common courtyard and small city park. Villa Apartments is an example of how a careful plan, design, and vision for mixed-use spaces can bring people and communities together.

New Wilson Hotel

Location: Anacortes, Washington
Contact: Poppi Handy
Program: Rehabilitation of existing apartments, commercial space and exterior, and new construction of 25 apartments.
Highlights: Valerie Sivinski Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Rehabilitation Projects, June 2007. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Wilson Hotel was first constructed in 1890, with unreinforced brick masonry and wood framing. In 1926, a concrete and wood-framed addition augmented the rectangular plan to form an L-shape building. With the aid of the Historic Tax Credit program, Main Street received a face-lift: rehabilitation work included new walls, floors and ceilings, structural upgrades, refurbishment of deteriorated upper-floor windows, and a new roof with skylight. The New Wilson Hotel combines twenty-five residential and five commercial tenant spaces that incorporate modern amenities and that preserve the unique character and history of the building.

Cadillac Hotel

Client: Historic Seattle
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Dean Kralios
Program: Rehab of façade, windows, seismic and building systems for National Park Services Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and commercial offices.
Highlights: ABC Excellence In Construction Award for Historic Rehabilitation, 2006.

The Cadillac Hotel was one of the first masonry buildings constructed after the Great Fire of 1889 and faced a precarious future after it sustained severe exterior damage during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Slated for demolition, the building’s survival was ensured through the efforts of many individuals and organizations. Salvaging and reuse of existing materials became the cornerstone of the building’s rehabilitation, with particular focus on emphasizing the building’s original architectural features. Today, the building stands as a hallmark of rehabilitation work in Seattle’s Pioneer Square Historical District.

Morrison Hotel

Client: Downtown Emergency Service Center
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: Michael Romine
Program: 190 very low-income residential units; emergency shelter; DESC administrative offices.
Highlights: Originally built in 1908, rehabilitation work retained all significant exterior details, including the iron catwalk wrapping the south and west facades. ABC Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction, 2006.

Located in Seattle’s Pioneer Square Historical District, the Morrison Hotel underwent a “substantial alteration” to transform existing hotel rooms into 190 residential units. In addition to structural upgrades, rehabilitation efforts included upgrades to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, the addition of fire sprinklers and elevators, and roof membrane replacement. Upper-floor residential units were also reconfigured to meet Seattle’s Small Efficiency Unit standards. The Morrison Hotel is an example of how the life of an old building can be extended another 100 years if given the proper care and rehabilitation.