Korn Walker Block

encompassing eight historic buildings at once, the project features an innovative seismic retrofit strategy with comprehensive structural improvements that span the entire half-block of buildings

Korn Walker Block

located between Yesler Way, Occidental Avenue, and South Washington Street, the renovation re-establishes the “gateway” to the north entrance of Occidental Park

Korn Walker Block

rooftop decks provide urban views of Pioneer Square, the Port of Seattle, and downtown Seattle

Korn Walker Block

implementation of environmentally responsive design strategies connects the history of the Pioneer Square Historic District to a sustainable future

Korn Walker Block

rehabilitation of the Korn Building will save it from further deterioration and damage

Korn Walker Block

revitalized commercial and retail use at street level will re-energize the pedestrian experience along Occidental Avenue

Korn Walker Block

targeted new construction connects the reconstructed south end of the block to the existing scale of the north end of the block

Korn Walker Block

140,000 sf of new office and retail space will provide increased employment and activity in Pioneer Square

Korn Walker Block

our design reconstructs the missing upper floors of the Stratton, Clancy, and Box House Buildings, which collapsed during the 1949 earthquake

Korn Walker Block

outdoor dining and other improvements to the alley will enhance the existing pedestrian experience

Korn Walker Block

the project makes a significant contribution to the physical, commercial, and cultural revitalization of the Pioneer Square District

Location Seattle, WA

Client Unico and Lake Union Partners

Korn Walker Block

The Korn Walker Block Project encompasses eight historic buildings in Seattle’s Pioneer Square District. Working with Unico and Lake Union Partners, we’ve undertaken the comprehensive renovation of these buildings currently in significant disrepair.

Our approach responds to the broader historical context of the Pioneer Square District with strategies to preserve and restore the Korn, Bohemian Café, Merchants Café, Walker, Box House, Clancy, and Stratton buildings. Saving the Korn Building from further deterioration and damage is of particular significance. Along with the Interurban Building, the Korn renovation will re-establish the “gateway”’ to the north entrance of Occidental Avenue and the route to Occidental Park.

We’ve created an innovative seismic retrofit strategy to stabilize the entire block. Rather than eight separate seismic retrofits, one interconnected seismic restraint system will have less impact on the historic building facades while greatly improving the safety and resiliency of the District. The addition to the Walker Building is a key element of this strategy and provides an aesthetic connection and balance of scale between north and south, while respecting the physical prominence of the Korn Building.

New offices in the upper floors, and new or revitalized commercial and retail uses at the street level of all eight buildings, will provide increased employment and activity in the District and re-energize the pedestrian experience.

By implementing environmentally responsive design strategies including LEED Gold Certification, Zero Carbon development, and design for occupant health and wellness, we connect the history of the District to a sustainable future.

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