Part of the Yesler Terrace neighborhood revitalization effort and constructed on the site of walk-up apartments developed after WWII, Sawara is a model for affordable mixed-use projects throughout the country. Drawing inspiration from both the essence of the Sawara Cyprus tree and the Sawara fish, a Japanese Spanish mackerel, the Sawara apartments utilize a unique layout to create a strong sense of community. Built on a rather steep site, Sawara’s lobby is approached via a grand stair in the center of the building that essentially scales two levels. A parking structure is built underground into the slope of the site, with the rest of the building being built on top of it. Coming through the secure entryway gate, residents and guests enter the active ground-level courtyard, which features outdoor play structures for children, tables for parents, and the main leasing office, which is contained within a ‘fishbowl’ like glass partition, emphasizing the idea of security through observation. A portion of that entryway gate is clad in an electric blue-green cover meant to evoke the scales of the Sawara fish. This blue-green cladding is reinterpreted on the exterior facade of the building as well, solidifying the apartment’s cohesive identity. Adjacent to the building is a pocket park. Apartment homes located on the side of the building that faces the park have stoops that open towards it, creating a sense of connection to the external neighborhood. Connection – both visual and physical – is a major aspect of Sawara’s design. The three masses of the building are connected by open-air bridges that allow residents to look down on the courtyard and enhance the sense of community within the project. Sustainability plays a major role in the built project and Sawara received extensive rebates from utilities that allowed for additional solar panels contributing to lower utility costs for residents. Other energy considerations for the project are aimed at heating and energy use, contributing to Seattle Housing Authority’s affordable housing mission.