These buildings stand across the street from each other, connected by a mid-block crossing from the large outdoor plaza area of Rufus and Obidos to the front door of Fiona. Extensive ground-level detailing, (including elaborate canopies), and attention to public spaces created a walkable and bike-able neighborhood. Woonerf-style, 31-foot wide sidewalks incorporate additional landscaping, bike racks, and a unique art piece comprised of LED lights embedded in the sidewalk.

Carefully detailed concrete reinforcement plans were required for portions of the garage located nearly 10 feet below the groundwater table. Special reinforced concrete slabs on grade and retaining walls resist the upward force of the groundwater that is prevalent in the South Lake Union neighborhood.

The team designed for future, rather than existing, conditions.  Coordinated extensively with WSDOT and SCL, we provided improvements that integrated with a range of potential designs. Working together, the team strived for the solidification of Mercer Street plans that benefitted our client as well as city and state planners.

We unified the streetscape design and simplified utility planning across several blocks, working closely with city agencies to provide coordinated street development for multiple owners and their projects.