Graphite Sustainability Initiative- The Development Strategy

Through Seattle’s Living Building Pilot Program, the project exceeds the maximum height and floor area ratio, gaining an extra level and an additional 42,000 square feet of leasable space. This makes sustainability investments a smart development strategy, with a fast ROI and additional revenue stream. The constraints of the site are not seen as problematic, but rather create an opportunity for flexible ground level uses. Whether that be maximizing office space, maximizing retail space, or creating an appropriate blend of the two, the building’s future is not defined and can adapt with future market trends.

Below grade, rather than dedicating the basement entirely to car storage, all site loading, and utility use is taken underground. This gives the project more pedestrian focused opportunities at the ground level and more frontage to leverage flexible uses. By building mechanically stacked parking structures, giving the basement space enough floor to floor height for cars to be stacked three vehicles high, this offers flexibility for below grade program to consume the space if parking demand is not met. South Lake Union transportation patterns are already changing, with as many people walking to work as those who drive to work. When the added variety of biking, ride sharing and busing, nearly 70% of workers arrive by other means of transportation already. When the Sound Transit light rail station opens, and connects sustainable rapid transit connection across the region, the need for vehicle storage will continue to decrease. By offering a flexible basement, the building can adapt to the changes of the market and offer strategies to use space rather than remain empty.