Constructed as a Men's club after the turn of the century, the Arctic Building spent the recent half century as an office building until it was sold four years ago. The vision of the Owners was to recreate the rich history of one Seattle's most recognizable hotels. The renovated building is appointed with an interior palate that is reminiscent of the buildings men’s club history, but with the modern systems and infrastructure expected of a contemporary hotel.

The work required a complete substantial alteration for the change of use from an office occupancy to residential (hotel). This included a seismic upgrade, new mechanical systems, new sprinkler system, re-creation of 120 hotel rooms, restoration of the Dome Room, hotel lobby and first floor retail space accomplished by paying particular attention to the remaining historic features of the building – exterior terra cotta, Dome Room and the majority of the second level. The structural solution was concealed within the existing building walls, columns and floors with no visible evidence of the new structural elements. The sprinkler, mechanical and plumbing systems were also coordinated to not impact the rich historic features of the building.

The Architect of Record managed the Design Team throughout the project. Initial due diligence was required prior to the sale of the property as well as a thorough code review and meetings with building officials (Seattle DPD). Significant elements of the building were not compliant with current life/safety code and resolutions had to be negotiated with DPD.

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