July 1, 2024

Mithun puts final polish to 33-story tower at Horizon House

Renderings by Plomp for Mithun [enlarge]

A new entry, where Ninth meets University.

There's no declared schedule or budget for the coming new west tower at the Horizon House retirement community. But plans are increasingly detailed for the addition to the 900 University St. campus on First Hill. A final design review for the 33-story, 202-unit should come this summer. (Update: The city has now set that review for Aug. 28.)

Architect Mithun is collaborating with builder Andersen Construction on the design.

A master use permit appears within reach, and the project will proceed with phased construction permits. There's no sign yet of a demolition permit for the 50-unit west wing and garage, which date to the 1980s. The 2-acre campus now has about 482 units across four buildings.

The latest project renderings show a much nicer streetscape where Ninth Avenue bends into University, above the steps up from Freeway Park. The west tower will be smartly joined with the central tower (built in 1954). Clad in green tile, with exposed timber framing elements, the new pedestrian entry will make that a much more welcoming experience.

As for the main tower design, its very prominent west face — overlooking the park and downtown — has a major rectangular offset “intended to increase the perceived height difference between the two distinct volumes,” says Mithun.

[enlarge]

The offset west facade.

A lighter shade of facade cladding is intended to complement One and Two Union Square, “bringing soft brightness to a climate that is so often overcast and gray” and not being a dark, gloomy neighbor to the park. Landscaping all around the terraced gray podium is also intended to harmonize with the mature trees at the park below.

Units are all to be one- and two-bedrooms. The 33rd floor will be all amenities, with a terrace wrapping around the restaurant and bar.

Much of the podium, above 183 underground parking stalls, will be offices and support areas for staff, plus more amenities. That all contributes to a total project size of some 449,355 square feet.

The team also includes Westlake Consulting Group, development consultant and construction manager; KPFF, civil engineer; Haley & Aldrich, geotechnical engineer; PLS, lighting; Glumac, lighting and mechanical engineer; Morrison Hershfield, envelope; A3 Acoustics; Magnusson Klemencic Associates, structural engineer; Holmberg, plumbing; Sazan, electrical engineer; Patriot Fire Protection; CCI, life safety; Bush, Roed & Hitchings, surveyor; Morrison-Scopos, kitchen consultant; and Ground Support, shoring. (Mithun is also designing the interiors and landscaping.)

Construction, be entirely Type I-A concrete, will take about three years. The project entered design review with a nominal value of $180 million. Bond financing will be employed, says Horizon House.