Ascent South Lake Union

The project’s South Lake Union location inspired the dynamic architecture and lush landscape. The contemporary mixed-use residential complex includes a 27-story tower, a 7-story mid-rise building, 4 levels of below-grade parking and a dramatic rooftop lounge and open-air deck. Retail at street-level is highly-transparent to allow retailers good visibility and the option to roll open sliding doors to spill out onto the sidewalk. The corner of the tower is set back significantly to create an inviting outdoor entry plaza. Two west-facing internal courtyards provide relief from the busy neighborhood and feature amenities including barbecues and a generous terrace for a variety of recreation.

Though the 265’ tall structure exceeds the height limit for shear wall only buildings, KPFF worked with the City of Seattle to develop appropriate design guidelines without undergoing a structural peer review.