April 17, 2025

Olson Kundig applies for MUP for large life sciences project in Interbay

Renderings by Olson Kundig [enlarge]

901 Elliott’s three towers would run adjacent to Elliott Avenue West and be connected by sky bridges.

PP&G Properties is taking steps towards the realization of a large new technology and life sciences building that would stretch along Elliott Avenue West in Interbay.

This month the project's architect, Olson Kundig, submitted for a master use permit (MUP) for the development on behalf of PP&G.

The DJC reported on the ambitious plan in August 2023, which at that time was purely hypothetical. The proposal is to build three new eight story volumes, or towers, connected by dramatic sky bridges. Those would rise on three adjacent parcels of land at 945, 901 and 921 Elliott Ave. W., all of which are owned by PP&G. The address of the resulting property would be 901 Elliott Ave. W.

The project site is adjacent to the planned light rail extension between downtown Seattle and Ballard and is within the Interbay Industry and Innovation zone.

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Each tower would be eight stories tall.

The total project size is approximately 500,000 square feet.

Within the towers there would be flexible space designed to host a range of office, technology, life sciences, and retail uses.

Floorplans are designed to support a range of tenants, including AI and robotics companies, and will have the power and capacity to support autonomous machines.

Currently dubbed 901 Elliott the project is conceived as a flagship development for Interbay's Industry and Innovation zone. That zone was formed in 2023 when Mayor Harrell signed the Maritime and Industrial Strategy into law. That legislation updated the city's land use code to strengthen protections for existing maritime and industrial lands and industries and created three new industrial zones: Maritime, Manufacturing, and Logistics; Industry and Innovation; and Urban Industrial.

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Two elevated rooftop amenity decks would feature views to Elliott Bay.

The Industry and Innovation zone is intended to encourage new development in multi-story buildings that accommodate industrial businesses mixed with other dense employment uses such as research, design, offices, and technology through a system of density bonuses.

Olson Kundig's principal, owner and co-founder Tom Kundig is leading the design of 901 Elliott, which he says, “prioritizes a flexible floorplan” to suit a wide variety of science and technology uses and possible tenants.

Each volume will be encased in a high-performance facade of glass curtainwall, louvers, and metal panel that utilizes angular forms to maximize views and enhance energy efficiency.

In addition to workspace, the design includes podium terraces with collaborative outdoor spaces that look towards downtown Seattle, and two elevated rooftop amenity decks with views to Elliott Bay, Mount Rainer, and the grain silos at Terminal 86.

Tenants would enter the property via dual entry courtyards, added to break down the scale of the development and create a more inviting and comfortable workplace.

The building would be served by 347 parking stalls on two floors of below-grade parking, with an additional 50 exterior short term parking stalls. There would also be a large, secured bike room.

“With this (MUP) submittal, we're one step closer to realizing this special project,” Tom Kundig shared in a press release. “The vision to design high-performing laboratory spaces that also serve the human needs of future tenants and users is a fantastic opportunity to enhance Seattle's leadership in the tech sector,” he continued.

The project team also includes Sellen; general contractor, UMC; design-build mechanical; Valley Electric/AEI, design-build electrical; KPFF, civil and structural engineer; Haley & Aldrich; environmental and geotechnical engineer; EA Engineering, SEPA; Heffron Transportation, traffic engineer; Counterbalance; SCL consultant; HCMP Law Offices, land use attorney; and Boulder Associates, life science technical advisor.

Westlake Consulting Group is acting as development manager and owner's representative, with Hughes Marino managing the real estate brokerage.

PP&G Properties is an entity formed by doctors Gregory Vaughn and Paola Leone, a husband-and-wife team behind Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics that has offices in Seattle and Bellevue. The 901 Elliott parcels are currently home to a Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics office, a distillery, and four vacant former industrial buildings from the 1920s. The development site is probably most recognizable to DJC readers as the former home to Greg Thompson Productions, known for wife Sunny Thompson's long-running Marilyn Monroe stage act, which relocated in 2017 to Edmonds. Prestige Cleaners and Leather Care also used to operate at the site.

A project timeline for 901 Elliott has not been shared, but those interested in leasing opportunities are encouraged to visit http://www.ppg-investments.com