T he Arbor Blocks are a pair of 6-story buildings opening to a central gathering space along Eighth Avenue in South Lake Union. Comprised of six levels of office space with street-level retail, the uniquely shaped companion buildings make the most of their mirrored siting, framing a realigned Eighth Avenue that has been developed as a pedestrian-focused woonerf.

"As our client wished to retain the tree canopy, we were inspired to generate a unique environment based on enhancing the outdoor connection between the two buildings. The result is an open, flowing pedestrian 'park' with multiple viewpoints of the lush greenery, sculptures and incorporated building facades." —Peter Krech

The buildings inflect at midblock, embracing the mature Sweetgum tree canopy while creating a variety of outdoor spaces serving neighborhood residents, office tenants and visitors. The result transforms a formerly underutilized street into a vibrant, engaging urban heart of this growing neighborhood.