4218 Roosevelt/Sundodger Apartments

AHBL provided civil engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture, and land surveying services for a six-story mixed-use apartment building in Seattle’s University District. The development features 5,000 SF of ground-floor retail, five levels of residential apartments, and two subterranean parking levels with 42 stalls—a notable inclusion since current zoning does not require parking. The design complies with the City of Seattle’s 2016 Stormwater Code and Manual, incorporating on-site stormwater management strategies such as a green roof to absorb rainfall and reduce runoff. The existing street tree canopy was preserved, and landscape improvements include raised planters, bike racks, and pedestrian-friendly seating along Roosevelt Street.

Structurally, the building consists of five stories of wood-framed construction over a post-tensioned concrete podium slab, with two levels of post-tensioned slabs below grade for parking. The design accounted for adjacent structures—a hotel and hardware store—by considering their foundation depths and load impacts when engineering the foundation walls. Landscape architecture meets Seattle’s Green Factor requirements through 3,614 square feet of drought-tolerant or native plantings and 480 square feet of vegetated walls on the green roof. The roof not only mitigates heat island effects and improves insulation to reduce cooling loads but also provides habitat for pollinators and birds. Residents enjoy these sustainable features from a rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen and lounge.

Teaming Partners

• Architect: Studio 19 Architects