September 8, 2016

Vulcan starting 3 ‘cabin-like' apartment buildings in SLU

Image from Runberg Architecture Group [enlarge]

Vulcan Real Estate demolished an old warehouse at 1255 Harrison St. this summer so that it can build 384 apartments in three seven-story structures that will cover the entire block.

Runberg Architecture Group is the designer and says the “three angled ‘cabin-like' buildings (will) create a concave backdrop to the adjacent historic Cascade Park.”

Runberg says the units will not be set on a podium so that each building can touch the ground to give pedestrians access to the courtyard. A green roof on the south wing will be sloped to allow natural light into the tree-filled courtyard.

Vulcan says the project will align with alleys on the adjacent blocks to create several connected outdoor, pedestrian-oriented spaces. Retail will be at ground level and parking for 317 cars will be below grade.

The LEED platinum complex also will install the second half of the “Swale on Yale,” a joint venture with Seattle Public Utilities to treat street runoff from Pontius and Yale avenues north. The first half of the swale was completed in 2013 along Vulcan's Stack House development, one block north.

General contractor Exxel Pacific is starting excavation to kick off 22 months of construction.

The old Cascade School was built on the site in 1894. After the 1949 earthquake, the school was deemed unsafe and was shuttered. The school district later used it as a warehouse for books and supplies. The building was demolished in 1955 and a new central warehouse opened in its place in 1956.

Pemco bought the property in 1988, leasing it to a wholesale florist. Vulcan bought the property in 2006.