3000 Western

Seattle, Washington

A Sculptural Form Responding to Park and Place

Positioned directly across from the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, 3000 Western draws inspiration from its iconic neighbor. The nine-story residential building takes cues from the folded planes of the park’s Paccar Pavilion and the angular paths that navigate changes in topography. At a location where two city grids intersect—the downtown grid meeting the shifted Belltown pattern—the building’s massing responds with its own series of folded planes along Western Avenue. This dynamic sculptural form draws from its surroundings to create a new community that is woven into and takes advantage of place.

  • Neighborhood

    Belltown

  • Type

    Multi-Family

  • Size

    232,800 SF
    219 Residential Units

  • Status

    In Permitting

  • Services

    Architecture

  • Client

    Washington Holdings

Drawing inspiration from folded planes and intersecting grids

The project occupies a unique location at the northwest edge of Belltown, directly across from the Olympic Sculpture Park and blocks from Seattle Center. Upper levels look out over the park’s angular landscape zones and built structures—folded planes that navigate topography and create bridges over the railroad lines and Elliott Avenue. This inspired our own folded planes and angles, creating a dynamic sculptural form distinct from other buildings in the neighborhood.

The building’s angled facades along Western Avenue and the interior courtyard are drawn directly from angles found in the sculpture park. They also reference the site’s position at the nexus of two city grids, where downtown meets the shifted Belltown pattern. The main residential entry and full-height vertical mass anchor the corner, creating a sense of prominence while the lobby connects interior and exterior spaces. In contrast to the angled Western Avenue facades, the Eagle Street elevation responds directly to the street grid with rectilinear shapes that provide a defined pedestrian edge along the Green Street.

The building’s massing strategy also contributes to resident comfort. The folded facades reduce the number of units that look directly at each other—more than half the units orient toward views of the water and Olympic Sculpture Park. A light well carved into the north face matches the width of the neighboring property’s light well, maximizing daylight to both projects. The courtyard placement at the alley side moves the Western Avenue facade closer to water views while creating separation for apartments facing the alley and adjacent office building.

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Strengthening the Green Street connection

The Olympic Sculpture Park and the Space Needle align through the thread of Eagle Street, a dedicated Green Street that ties two of downtown’s most significant open spaces together. The project strengthens that connection by creating a vibrant pedestrian experience along Eagle Street. Green Street improvements expand the sidewalk and add a curb bulb, with landscaping that reflects the building’s design ideas and emphasizes how Eagle Street connects Seattle Center to the waterfront and Olympic Sculpture Park.

Approximately 3,000 square feet of residential lobby and amenity spaces activate Western Avenue at ground level. The steep topography along Eagle Street is bookended by amenity spaces, with the main lobby at level one and bike amenities at level two. In between, unit windows look out toward Eagle Street to reduce blank facades while keeping eyes on the street. Upper-level amenities include a club room and large roof deck with uninterrupted views of the sculpture park. Private courtyard patios at level three and private terraces for level six units facing Eagle Street provide residents with outdoor space at multiple scales. Landscaping incorporates artwork and a native plant palette that echoes the nearby park spaces, providing color and greenery throughout the year.

Program: 219 residential units averaging just over 600 square feet each; three levels of structured parking for 191 vehicles including 38 electric vehicle charging stalls; approximately 3,000 square feet of residential lobby and amenity spaces along Western Avenue; ground floor fitness room and sauna/steam retreat; upper-level club room and large roof deck with views to Olympic Sculpture Park; private courtyard patios at level three; private terraces for level six units along Eagle Street; Green Street improvements along Eagle Street including expanded sidewalk, curb bulb, landscaping, and opportunities for public art.