Lofty Position
Mosler Lofts, Seattle
This triple award–winning, LEED Silver project is helping to keep the Emerald City green.
It’s just what the young professional and active empty-nester markets ordered: a sophisticated condominium that’s also a model of urban sustainability.
The elegant, 12-story, steel and concrete structure is situated on a 19,384-square-foot lot in the heart of Seattle’s hip Belltown neighborhood, within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and mass transit. It steps back from the street to reclaim 6 feet of sidewalk space for pedestrians to access the 6,000 square feet of retail on the west side and five street-level townhouse units to the north.
The 150 stylish residential lofts, which range from 500-square-foot studios to spacious 2,000-square-foot units, have classic downtown trappings such as 10-foot-high ceilings, exposed ductwork, concrete pillars, and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing stunning views of the city as well as maximum daylight.
Knowing that large buildings can be major emitters of greenhouse gases, the architects at Mithun wanted this project to be an exception and a model for the future. They specified regional materials, certified wood, low-flow fixtures, and Energy Star appliances. Its roof features a common recreation area and a green roof terrace. Down below, the garage holds reserved parking for bicycles and flex cars, a recycling collection area, a stormwater management system, and a CO2 monitoring system.—Carolyn Weber
Awards: Attached urban residential project of the year; grand for best attached high-rise housing project (for sale); and grand for best attached sustainable community; Builder: JE Dunn, Kirkland, Wash.; Developer: The Schuster Group, Seattle; Architect: Mithun, Seattle
