Mason & Main

Sister Sites

Mason & Main, located on the site of Seattle's first city-funded housing project in the historic Yesler Terrace neighborhood, serves as an inclusive hub for people from all backgrounds while transforming the area into a vibrant destination. The two buildings, divided by a shared courtyard and community garden, are connected by a mural from a local artist, celebrating the sense of unity among residents. A nearby pocket park and a zig-zagging hill climb assist guide pedestrians from Mason & Main to the transit station, making the city easily accessible. While connected to Seattle’s public transit system, Mason & Main stands as the centerpiece of Little Saigon, with thoughtful design that complements its urban context. The two buildings—Mason to the east and Main to the west—complement each other through their shared functions, materials, and visual language. Though their forms are distinct, each structure responds uniquely to its environment. Mason engages with the urban edge, offering inviting, pedestrian-scale storefronts beneath a covered canopy, leading to a welcoming lobby. On its quieter south side, the building transitions to residential stoops framed by low privacy rails and lush landscaping, creating a buffer between the sidewalk and the apartments. Main, meanwhile, is purely residential, with a more intimate lobby and a similar stoop design wrapping around the north and south sides, facing the urban pocket park to the west. Outdoor spaces abound at Mason & Main, thoughtfully woven into the site to enhance both circulation and amenity. On the more residential portions of the property, the building massing steps back, creating a human-scale, three- or four-story feel that invites pedestrians to linger. Clad in warm brick, Mason features horizontal coursing, while Main uses vertical brick patterns to create visual interest and engage passersby. At the upper levels, both buildings feature offset massing that allows for an array of rooftop decks and sunlit courtyards—perfect spaces for outdoor activities, from gardening and BBQs to sunbathing and socializing. Covered areas offer protection from the elements, while a mural by a local artist and carefully placed lighting add to the vibrant atmosphere. Residents can enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier, downtown Seattle, and Elliot Bay, making the outdoor spaces just as captivating as the indoor ones. True to Seattle’s commitment to sustainability, Mason & Main have earned LEED Gold certification. The rooftop stormwater retention system, consisting of ten-foot mounds of dirt, sedum, and wild grasses, underscores the project’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Additionally, a solar panel array on Mason’s roof further exemplifies the building’s efforts to minimize its ecological footprint while being a responsible neighbor in the bustling Yesler Terrace community.

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Seattle, Washington
  • LEED Gold
  • 549
  • 9 stories
  • 669,816 sq. ft.
  • Completed in 2022
PROJECT CONTACT

housing@ankrommoisan.com

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