Detailed Project Narrative:

An archival photo of 777 Thomas

The project for 777 Thomas was one of the first in the wave of new developments in this section of South Lake Union bounded by Dexter Ave and the prospering Westlake Avenue corridor. At the outset of design in 2013, the adjacent blocks were still dominated by low-rise commercial and warehouse functions. The proposal for a nearly full block, seven-story multifamily structure felt like an audacious jump in scale and presented an opportunity for the creation of a landmark highly visible from the nearby Denny Park and adjacent thoroughfares.   

At the time, there was a sense that South Lake Union was on the cusp of an incredible transformation as well as excitement at the opportunity to remake this overlooked corner of the city into a vibrant, new mixed-use neighborhood. However, that sense of starting from scratch proved to be one of the biggest design challenges for the project; providing the opportunity for great stylistic freedom but also a scarcity of established urban context from which to draw. Ultimately, the massing and exterior organizational strategy would come to be driven by the existing 1930s Art Deco garage structure at the corner of 8th and Thomas.

Initial redevelopment proposals envisioned the demolition of three existing structures on the site. However, midway through the design process, the city of Seattle designated the northernmost parcel, a former auto repair shop, a landmark citing South Lake Union’s heritage as an early center of the auto industry in Seattle and the garage’s distinctive concrete patterning as emblematic of the Art Deco Zig Zag Style. The Landmarks Board required that exterior facade be preserved and that any new development be setback twenty feet to give the designated structure breathing room and maintain its distinctive presence on street.

The revised design for the new multifamily development retains the overall plan organization and west facing courtyard of prior schemes but amends the street facing elevations to highlight the presence of the landmark building. The north and east facades of the new building adjacent to the landmark step inward twenty feet to create a generous, elevated amenity terrace at the landmark’s roof level. The primary building entry is recessed in a notch or “gasket” which highlights the texture of the historic structure’s exiting brick wall and is denoted by a welcoming glass canopy stretching to the curb. The unit entries and balconies along 8th Avenue borrow the proportions of the landmark’s bay module to give structure and rhythm to the street edge. Complimented for its thoughtful response to landmark and site context, the project received unanimous approvals from both Landmarks and Neighborhood Design Review Boards.

My relationship with the project would continue for a little over three years following its evolution through subsequent design phases and construction administration. My first large scale professional endeavor after school, working on 777 Thomas was an invaluable opportunity to become familiar with project documentation standards, learn the permitting process in Seattle, and gain firsthand construction observation. The lessons learned on this project would come to shape my approach on many subsequent designs.