The Rush to Revamp

Eighth + Olive is just the latest to jump into renovation, since stodgy isn’t going to cut it anymore in Seattle. Recently we asked for pictures of newly renovated spaces Downtown, and we’re showing the best of them here; send more to [email protected]. 1201 Third Ave started its lobby renovation in May, building GM Jeff Myrter with Wright Runstad tells us. NBBJ designed the project to include new stone illuminated portals at the Third Ave main entrance and replacing the existing entry doors with new glass doors with additional glass above, which will bring more light into the lobby. The goal in the building interior, he adds, is to retain most of what has made the property special, such as wood paneled walls and rich metals.

No Seattle office building of the 2010s worth its salt is going to go without the highest of high-tech fitness centers. The newly revamped one at 1201 Third Ave includes, among other things, cardio equipment equipped with personal TVs and wall-mounted TRXs. Jeff says the next phase of the building’s renovation will be refurnishing the Atrium.

No Seattle building’s going to be without sophisticated bike facilities, either. Recent work at Century Square upgraded its bicycle haunts. JLL’s Laura Ford, who’s marketing the building, says that work is now underway on making the first-floor lobby and adjacent areas more inviting for workers to hang out and work (or drink coffee, which is mandatory in this town).

1800 Ninth is planning this rooftop deck. They’re an up-and-coming amenity, at least when it isn’t raining. 

Office buildings aren’t the only properties in the race to revamp. Another way to add pizzazz is with highly visible art, and recently Vulcan unveiled “Hampers” by Seattle artist Whiting Tennis at its Stack House Apartments and Supply Laundry Building development in South Lake Union. The work’s bronze wicker baskets are a tribute to the laundry workers who formerly toiled at the site.