Above the ground floor retail base is a visual break between the upper and lower massing, breaking up the lines of the building attractively. There is a lightwell setback at the property line, as well as an upper-level setback on the 8th floor, and the massing and materiality concept for the 2nd Avenue façade draws inspiration from outfits seen around the Belltown neighborhood and evokes the concept of layered garments with a rough and tumble overcoat sheltering a more playful, personal underlayer. The exterior frames of the different bays extend outward projecting a brusque stance to the hustle of the street. The colorful inner layer reflects the warm sense of community earned by those in the know.
When surveyed, the community expressed how vitally important the retention of the area’s historic grittiness, rooted in rebellion and grunge rock, was to the community. This new high-rise mixed-use building was designed to keep alive the authenticity that the community treasures. Elements of the street were incorporated into the exterior design by way of the ground level brick incasing the retail spaces, the ceramic coated siding, and the variety of gaged metal wall panels. Colorful murals inspired by street art adorn the alleyway.
The 2nd Avenue street frontage that is equipped to serve restaurant, bar, café, and retail functions, honors the area’s reputation as a hip nightlife destination and preserves that character. Long, deep commercial bays stretch all the way to the revitalized alley behind the building. Customizable signage, overhead weather protection, and a variety of architectural elements provide tenants with the ability to tailor their curb presence and contribute to the eclectic appeal that distinguishes the neighborhood.
Liv Belltown has seven stories of efficient studio, 1- and 2-bedroom units. The units manifest themselves as long and narrow with large windows which let in abundant natural light, especially in those that overlook the alley. They are quiet, the corridor footfalls and resident traffic dampened because of the design. Parking is provided in two below-grade levels accessed via a ramp from the alley. The project features generous amenity spaces for building residents. At the ground level a lounge and double height coworking space overlooks the adjacent park. On the eighth floor, a generous deck and event space offers expansive views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. At the roof penthouse a city viewing deck offers sweeping views over the downtown skyline. The adjoining alley behind the building is heavily trafficked and we strove to support its role as a secondary pedestrian throughway to Regrade Park, a popular dog park. Amenity spaces within the building feature extensive glazing along the alley to foster strong visual connections.
