Seattle workforce housing project inspired by geology of eastern Washington

J.G. Whittier Apartments, a workforce housing project in Seattle uses the geology of eastern Washington as inspiration for the design. The architecture and interior design celebrate geometric anomalies found in nature. At the corners of the building, blackened wood siding “erodes” to expose vibrant murals underneath.

In the interior, hexagonal forms are repeated, echoing the basalt columns found in central Washington’s Palouse fields. The materials palette is intentionally textural, contrasting raw-edged wood, exposed concrete, and geometric metal fixtures against softer furnishings in more muted shades found in the Northwest landscape.

The four-story, 54-unit mixed-use workforce housing development on the edge of Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood maximizes its prime location with a spacious rooftop deck offering panoramic city views. The ground floor features a community library, bike storage, and two 1,500 sf retail spaces slated to become a fitness studio and coffee shop. Whimsical lobby decor will evolve over time with curio space of odds and ends intended to expand and change. The building offers a range of unit types from studio apartments to two-bedroom layouts.

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Overcoming challenges posed by zoning restrictions and existing urban infrastructure, the design incorporates a rhythmic façade to accommodate power lines and street trees, while a flowing canopy enhances the pedestrian experience. To respect the privacy of neighboring single-family homes, the building’s rear is stepped back, preserving a mature tree buffer. The building’s distinctive character is further defined by colorful murals by a local artist, transforming blank walls into neighborhood landmarks.

Modulation along the building’s front elevation provides a rhythm to the facade for cars and pedestrians. At the rear second story, the building steps back to allow a more gentle transition to the neighboring residential properties while providing quiet, private decks for many of the apartments. A mural at the north and south facades provides visual relief to code-required blank facades, creating a landmark for cars.

Below the building, a resident parking garage with EV charging stations also includes private storage units and a dog/bike wash station. The rooftop deck takes advantage of stunning views, including the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. The roof’s amenity spaces feature an outdoor kitchen and grill area, fire pit with comfortable seating, tables and chairs that can be reconfigured by residents for private gatherings, a dog play area and a meandering path through the drought-resistant landscape. All non-hardscaped areas are covered with a green roof, including mechanical areas not accessible to residents, and photovoltaic panels collect solar power.

Individual residences have private connections to the outdoors, including large decks on the second and fourth floors at the back of the building, and full or Juliet balconies on all other units.

Architect of record: Johnston Architects
Mechanical: Sider-Byers, Emerald City Engineers 
Electrical: Emerald City Engineers 
Plumbing: Sider-Byers, Emerald City Engineers 
Structural engineer: CPL
General contractor/construction manager: BMDC
Landscape Architect: Karen Kiest Landscape Architects 
Interior Design: Johnston Architects 
Mural Artist: Chelsea Wirtz
Photographer: Andrew Nam, ANAM Media