12th Avenue Arts transformed an under utilized, 29,058 SF surface parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-used development that addressed multiple community priorities, including creation of affordable housing and development of affordable performing arts space in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. The completed project provides affordable work-force housing, two black-box theaters, vibrant ground floor retail and restaurant space, incubator office space for non-profit organizations, and a secure underground parking facility for the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct. The main entry and retail spaces pull back from the sidewalk, creating outdoor gathering areas that open opportunities to activate the pedestrian environment. An undulating veil of fenestration above also serves as the building marquee.
