The ability to live, work, and play all within walking distance is the core desire of many living in urban environments. Seattle’s eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood has become an epitome of this lifestyle, with hip bars, coffee shops, eateries, clubs, and theater—and a growing number of office and residential buildings. Beryl Apartments introduces multi-purpose units, designed for the area’s professionals to combine an edgy vintage character with updated conveniences.
Our architectural design concept was setting a stage, paying homage to the theatre culture of Capitol Hill. The mass of the building is chipped away at the second and third levels, creating spaces for balconies and screening elements that emphasize the concept and help to create interaction with the street. We engaged residents of the surrounding Pike/Pine community, gathering their feedback in order to expertly blend historical perspective with unique new designs for modern functionality.
Beryl Apartments preserves Capitol Hill’s distinctive vibe while creating sleek, more affordably sized residences that complement and enhance the diverse area. The project thoughtfully arranges key features throughout various levels. At first glance, the exterior charcoal steel cladding accented with contrasting light green window frames that feature geometric embossing provide attractive curb appeal. First floor retail is set back from the property line to accommodate outdoor seating areas for a variety of restaurants and bars.
Nestled into the upper six stories of the L-shaped building are 88 units. Balconies and street-level porches are not common in Capitol Hill, but implementing them at Beryl Apartments allows residents to interact with the activity outside, much like theater performers engage with their audience. The design of the second and third levels maximizes gorgeous views of the Seattle cityscape. A lively fenestration of windows, doors, and bright lighting designed for both style and function.
Amenities offer the ability to live, work, and play even withing the building, from a gym, to a large roof deck, dining/barbecue area, lounge with a fire pit, dog run, and garden kitchen area— residents can enjoy a true sense of community and dialogue. A landscaped courtyard enhances interior access to natural light and fresh air.
While Beryl Apartments is intentionally small in scale, its distinct character and efficient units enhance the current neighborhood and pedestrian environment, along with being able to adapt with the community overtime.
