Community collaboration was a driving force behind the design of the Jackson multifamily development in Seattle. In its preliminary design stages, developer Vulcan Real Estate and architecture firm Runberg Architecture Group conducted more than 100 community outreach meetings, open houses, and forums to listen and respond to input from neighbors and local stakeholders.

The community includes 532 apartments across two buildings, with 107 units reserved for working households whose incomes fall between 65% and 90% of area median income, as well as retail at the ground floor focusing on local minority establishments.

Organized to provide significant landscaped open space, the site incorporates a large public plaza and a mid-block area aligned with a previously vacated street right of way. The 12,000-square-foot plaza connects residents to the community by serving as a gathering space for events, infrastructure for seasonal kiosk vendors, and freestanding pavilions for microbusinesses.

The interior spaces, from the mailroom to the Social Tavern, seek to pay homage to the past and present of the Central District of Seattle. There is a focus on “vibrancy and eclecticism” as well as art by local BIPOC artists.

From the co-working salon with breakout rooms to the maker’s station to the Skyline Lounge with a custom fireplace, the amenities offer a variety of options to both individuals and groups and are versatile for changing needs from day to night.

Delivered in July 2020, the project is targeting LEED Platinum and Salmon-Safe certifications. Plus, in addition to its recognition in the MFE Awards, the project was recognized as Multifamily Community of the Year: Four Stories and Above at the 2021 Gold Nugget Awards.

“The success of the project, despite the challenges of the time of delivery, was driven by the support of the community and the passion of the developer to revitalize the block, providing more options for local businesses and residents at a time when the housing crisis was at a peak,” states the application.