Seattle's north end is experiencing a surge in demand for multifamily projects, particularly in areas like Shoreline, located just 10 miles north of downtown. The Line, a new 241-unit mixed-use residential building located at 132 NE 145th St, Shoreline, is one project among a cluster of multifamily projects in the area. Developed by Evergreen Point Group, The Line is one of the first mixed-use apartment projects to be built within Shoreline's newly up-zoned Link light rail district, and it is poised to set the tone for future development in this transit-oriented neighborhood.
One of the key features of The Line is its strategic location, providing residents with easy access to transportation options. Situated near the 145th Street exit of the I-5, the building offers convenient access to the highway, as well as the nearby Link light rail station. Residents can commute to downtown Seattle in less than 20 minutes, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable alternative to downtown living.
The Line is also designed to be a vibrant addition to the neighborhood, which is currently dominated by single-family homes with limited retail options.
We had the opportunity to speak with the project manager of The Line, who shared some insights into the goals and challenges of the project. (Tiscareno On Site Interviews | The Line (youtube.com)) According to the project manager, one of the most exciting opportunities presented by this project was the chance to recreate the neighborhood. With the recent up-zoning of the 145th light rail station subarea to MUR 70, there is a significant opportunity to transform the area into a more active and urban environment.
From the outset, the project goals were clear. The building street fronts had to be pedestrian-oriented, with inviting amenity spaces to draw in pedestrians. Additionally, the design had to create a distinctive presence on 145th Street and be visible from I-5 and the light rail station. To achieve this, the building features a through-block connector or woonerf, a Dutch concept that creates a shared public space for pedestrians, bikes, and cars.
The layout of the building massing was influenced by the need to break down the large suburban block and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The design also had to accommodate the City of Shoreline's Shared Use Path requirement, which mandates that blocks in excess of 250 feet deep have a shared use path.
Despite the exciting opportunities presented by The Line, there were also challenges to overcome. Working with adjacent infrastructure projects, such as road widening and other improvements along 145th Street, proved to be a significant challenge. However, the project team remained flexible and worked closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation and the City of Shoreline to address these challenges.
We are excited to be part of the transformation of this neighborhood, contributing to the area's transit-oriented living. With its thoughtful design and strategic location, The Line is a testament to the innovative approach to urban development being taken in Seattle's north end.