Pacific Apartments Historic Renovation
Seattle, WA
Modern Needs Meet Historic Elements
The Pacific Apartments Historic Renovation transformed this former single-room occupancy (SRO) building to studio and one-bedroom units for adults exiting homelessness. Formerly known as the Leamington Hotel and Apartments, the building had a series of renovations since it was first constructed in 1915, including ADA and seismic upgrades, new elevators, and most recently, new windows. The building is an historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and renovated with Historic Tax Credits. Read more at Plymouth's website: CLICK HERE
owner:
Plymouth Housing
square footage:
89 Units - 41,800 SF
80 Studios and 9 one bedrooms
completion:
December 2025
Contractor:
Rafn Company
awards:
Seattle Historic Preservation Honor Award 2026
This historic building is U-shaped with an interior south facing courtyard that is surprisingly quiet respite in the middle of downtown. The new SCL electrical vault is located below this courtyard and required at 14' deep excavation and very careful coordination with the existing structure and utilities.
What began as a feasibility study to enlarge the SROs into small efficiency dwelling units (SEDUs) - each unit equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, and storage – evolved into a deeply challenging, yet concerted effort from all parties involved, including the owner, contractor, engineers, City of Seattle, Seattle City Light, Seattle Department of Transportation, and the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
The historic facade renovation included replacement of more than 100 terracotta pieces as well as repointing the brick.
The physical site constraints, existing building systems, and historic features presented a series of limitations that often conflicted with one another. Through an engaging and iterative design process, the design successfully provides new quality affordable apartments in downtown Seattle. RAFN Company was the General Contractor and an amazing partner on this historic project.
Project included historically appropriate replacement lighitng and preservation of the original stained glass and fireplace.
Before / After:
Photo from a 1920's hotel brochure shows the original fireplace and reception desk. The lobby renovation re-opened these spaces and connections to the courtyard, and provided better visibility from reception to the upper and lower lobbies. The new flooring is very similar to the original terrazzo with edge banding. The historic marble stairs and wainscot ground the building to its past.
Making a difference starts here. Let's Begin
