A Residential Tower With A Twist
IPB Properties, REN Seattle
Housing and Mixed Use
Situated along Denny Way, a vital east-west gateway connecting the booming Denny Triangle and South Lake Union neighborhoods in Seattle, the 41-story REN residential tower is among a slew of new high-rises catering to the next generation of downtown residents. The project’s unique design expression responds to both the site’s compact, triangular shape and its high-visibility location at the intersection of two city grids. The fluid form also takes cues from the shorelines of Lake Union and Elliott Bay.
Location
Seattle, WA
Square Feet
572,000
Completion date
2021
Project Component
Architecture services
Locals have taken to calling Denny Way Seattle’s “Skyscraper Alley,” and it’s easy to see why. Key for the owner was differentiating REN and making a bold statement, with a visually striking design that offers a departure from surrounding rectilinear projects. Today, the project is hard to miss.
"Iteration was difficult because we had to individually control 43 floor plates, so we sped up the design phase with literally hundreds of iterations to dial in on the forms we thought were the most compelling."
Dane Stokes, Design Technology Specialist
ZGF used computational design tools to produce hundreds of different iterations and then dial in on the most compelling forms, resulting in the residential tower’s distinct undulating expression.
LIFE WELL-ROUNDED
One-, two-, and three-bedroom residential unit configurations suit a variety of tenant lifestyles, with a clean and modern interiors palette inspired by nature. Elegant balconies add to the building's distinct, dynamic form, offering residents ample outdoor space, daylight, and views. Material choice and detailing aid in solar shading, while the rotation of the balcony extension ensures residents can see more sky than typical apartment high-rises.
More than 23,000 SF of shared amenity space includes a fitness center, wellness rooms, dog spa, group lounge, co-working space, game room, and rooftop terrace with fire pits, barbeques, and a variety of seating that take full advantage of surrounding views.
REN’s central location puts it within walking distance to Seattle’s other fast-growing neighborhoods, including Downtown, Belltown, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill. The site boasts a nearly perfect Walk Score® for walkability, bikeability, and access to transit.
ZGF designed the building and CHIL Interior Design designed the interiors.
REN’s soft edges impart a gentle sense of movement with a visual twist.
Given the tower’s prominence along three street frontages—Denny Way, Fairview Avenue, and Virginia Street—it was important to incorporate a bold streetscape that would create a sense of place and arrival, enriching the public realm and creating a neighborhood landmark.
HEWITT's streetscape enhancements create a more pedestrian-friendly urban experience.
A double-height lobby on Fairview Avenue welcomes residents with its bold design and abundant greenery.
“Since we opened the doors to REN, our mission has been to redefine typical high-rise living, offering our residents elevated social spaces and conveniences to make their everyday feel like a retreat.”
- Dave McCutcheon, Vice President of Operations, CCB Properties
Level 4 features a dog spa and outdoor terrace with an enclosed dog play area for furry friends.
Level 41 boasts even more amenities, including a game room, coworking space, conference rooms, lounges, and a large outdoor deck with barbeques and stunning 360-degree views of the city.
Bold, imaginative wall murals throughout the building were commissioned by local art studio Electric Coffin
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