In the heart of Seattle’s historic South Lake Union neighborhood, Mark on 8th preserves and repurposes the old, making it functional again. Built around the landmark façade of a 1931 Art Deco auto garage, the mixed-use building draws on the original structure’s industrial simplicity while introducing seven stories, 174 residences, and scenic views, including a memorable glimpse of the Space Needle, into a tech-centric community. Geared toward worldly students and career-driven young professionals, the project offers a distinctive place to call home while supporting job-and-housing balance in an evolving neighborhood. As an urban infill transformation that reuses an original structure to serve a present-day need, Mark on 8th creates a lively, historically charming environment where people can work, live, and play near home. At the core of the project was the delicate challenge of reimagining a 1930s auto shop into boutique apartments without compromising the fragile ninety-year-old concrete during construction. The preserved façade became both anchor and inspiration, with its detailed concrete and plaster reliefs setting a tone of craft and rhythm that carried into the new building. The modulation of bays and balconies was influenced by the garage to maintain visual flow and reinforce the relationship between old and new. Brick and fiber cement were introduced to help the preserved façade stand apart, allowing the landmark character to remain the clear focal point of the street. At the ground level, townhouse stoops, inspired by nearby Denny Park, enhance livability by creating a buffer between private and public life. The design also responds carefully to its context, staggering window placement to respect the neighboring church and creating a safe, well-lit walkway between the two—proof that preservation here isn’t just about saving a façade, but about strengthening the everyday experience of the neighborhood around it.