Location: Seattle, Washington

Client: SRM Development

This mixed-use building with underground parking in the North Rainier Urban Village will house the Urban League Empowerment Center headquarters, intended to be a hub for the neighborhood, providing education and economic opportunities, while also providing essential affordable multifamily housing that can accommodate larger extended families. The main level 2 courtyard features community-oriented uses to the residents, including outdoor BBQ grills, a large play area with integrated planters and seating, and private patios that spill out into the common space, allowing for direct connection out to the communal areas. At the south end of the level 2 courtyard, the Urban League office’s private outdoor space overlooks the main entrance, offering a large outdoor gathering space for the staff.

Street frontages at all four sides of the project feature new street trees, sidewalks, and planting strips with shrubs and groundcover. Along Rainier Ave. S., two existing street trees will be retained, and the residential entry closer to Plum Street also serves as the entry to the community room, where raised planters and bike racks enhance the streetscape and provide a buffer from the busy street.