Nestled at the junction of Stone Way North and Interlake Avenue N in the evolving Fremont neighborhood, the Ray stands as a symbol of transformation in this once-industrial district. This vibrant, multifamily development seamlessly fused the historical blue-collar roots of this area with the burgeoning wave of technology enterprises. As the neighborhood experiences a rapid shift from manufacturing and lumber yards to innovative high-tech businesses, Ray emerges as a beacon of change.
This project epitomizes thoughtful residential density, reimagining an industrial brownfield site with engaging design elements that redefine its surroundings. In response to the increasing urban densification trend and the desire for a more connected lifestyle, Ray offers a diverse range of housing options for the community, coupled with amenities that promote sustainability within the neighborhood.
The ground floor of Ray is designed to engage and connect the community, featuring an exercise room, a bike repair and storage facility, and a welcoming meet-and-greet area. Furthermore, a tower of curtain wall-enclosed amenity rooms introduces a unique element to the building, offering spaces for activities typically unavailable in today's compact apartment units. These rooms include an entertainer's kitchen, a reading lounge, a game room, and, at the building's zenith, an orangery – a scented, sunlit greenhouse for cultivating citrus. Outside, rooftop BBQ areas are interconnected by gardens teeming with "you-pick" berries, all set against a backdrop of Lake Union and the downtown skyline. A secluded rooftop garden also caters to late-night movies and serene daytime reading nooks.
Ray is strategically positioned on a busy thoroughfare, marking the transition from light industrial services to lively pedestrian retail activities. It's the primary conduit between Fremont and Wallingford, a vibrant setting that demanded an eye-catching color scheme inspired by contemporary sports fashion trends. Bold red, orange, and yellow hues adorn the exterior, creating an unmistakable presence for the building.
Ray introduced 6,210 square feet of retail space, breathing dynamic life into the neighborhood. In addition, it features a welcoming outdoor patio, to fostering a lively street atmosphere, drawing in passersby, and encouraging pedestrian activity. The building's visually striking appearance is achieved through the creative arrangement of cementitious panels, vibrant red vertical metal siding, and robust horizontal metal siding that supports the ground-level retail area. Adding to its artistic flair, the façade is adorned with custom-designed hammered metal railings. A central public courtyard beckons with its diagonal walkway, colored accents, and an inviting glass jewel box pavilion.
Inside, Ray continues to impress with neon elements, colorful materials, furnishings, lighting, and artwork throughout the public spaces. Units offer a choice between concrete and plank flooring, along with sleek modern cabinetry, porcelain backsplashes, and quartz countertops.
Sustainability is at the heart of Ray's design, with low flow fixtures, low VOC materials, a living roof, and a neutral-colored roofing material to reduce the urban heat-island effect. The building's orientation and window scheme maximize natural light and airflow, creating comfortable living spaces. Additionally, ample space is allocated for bicycle storage, a bicycle shop, recycling facilities, high-efficiency lighting, and a central high-efficiency boiler for domestic hot water distribution.
In essence, the Ray represents more than just a building; it embodies the evolving spirit of the Fremont neighborhood, where history and innovation harmoniously blend to create a vibrant and sustainable future.
Team:
Architects: Baylis Architects
Owner: Mack Urban
Architect: Baylis Architects
General Contractor: Exxel Pacific
Civil & Structural Engineer: Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: Rushing
Landscape Architect: Thomas Rengstorf Associates
Interior Design: ObjectSpace
Acoustic Consultant: SSA Acoustics
Building Envelope: RDH
Photographers: Michael Walmsley & Mike Seidl
