Rainier Square occupies a prominent position in Seattle’s skyline. The 1.2M square foot project includes a 58-story tower containing 722,000 square feet of office space and 191 apartment units on its uppermost floors with 360-degree unobstructed views. The base of the tower includes a unique mix of destination retailers, such as Mendocino Farms, Fonte Bar and Equinox Fitness, making this a block unlike any other in Seattle. The entire block is connected through Floor 2, providing direct convenient access to Rainier Square, Rainier Tower, 400 University, the Grand Hall and light-filled Library with its fireplaces, inner courtyard and adjoining coffee, wine, pastries, and juice bar.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded this opportunity,” said Greg Johnson, Wright Runstad & Company CEO. “The 66,000 SF site is the single best location in the city for this landmark project we are proposing. It is simply great real estate any way you look at it.”

The Master Use Permit was granted in August 2016. Construction began fall of 2017 with first occupancy scheduled for third quarter 2020.

Maximizing the development capacity of the project is dictated by its preeminent location in the heart of Seattle’s downtown core with superb proximity to transit, the arts, shopping, hotels, major office buildings and the convention center. The project’s design is both inspired by, and respectful of, the existing Rainier Tower, whose distinctive curved base has made it one of Seattle’s iconic buildings. The project’s new landmark tower makes a bold step towards the future of Seattle’s architectural and urban character. The project architect is NBBJ.

The University of Washington owns the Metropolitan Tract in downtown Seattle, containing approximately 11 acres, or more than four city blocks, where the original University was located before moving to its present location in 1895. In addition to Rainier Square, the Tract includes landmark buildings such as Rainier Tower, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and the IBM Building.