Location: Seattle, Washington

Client: Alliance Residential

This seven-story mixed-use development provides new housing and retail space, located to the north of the highly commercial and pedestrian-friendly University Village. Large courtyard spaces open up to the south on several levels, creating inviting pedestrian spaces at ground level and residential common and private spaces at the upper levels. On the eastern half of the building, a water feature at the ground level courtyard flows towards a fountain by the sidewalk. A feature tree, along with several other trees, shrubs, groundcover, custom pavement scoring, and in-ground strip LED lighting create a unique courtyard space and guide pedestrians to the residential entry. Throughout the pedestrian areas along the re-aligned NE 49th Street, the custom paving scoring and concrete benches with integrated lighting create resting opportunities and unify the project. Bioplanters at Level three and ground level help manage stormwater runoff. Two existing street trees along 25th Avenue NE are retained and enhanced with a new planting strip that incorporates low shrubs and groundcover. Bicycle racks are incorporated along both street frontages, providing several opportunities for cyclists to lock up. Street trees along NE 49th Street are plentiful and are layered at the eastern end of the project, creating two pedestrian thoroughfares. Green roof helps mitigate stormwater.