Within Seattle’s Central District, the 101,000 SF Liberty Bank Building houses 115 apartments within five levels of Type VA wood-framed construction over one concrete level. The ground level also includes parking and 2,700 SF of affordable retail space available to neighborhood small businesses. Special features include a rooftop terrace, workroom, lounge, and community artwork. This project commemorates the legacy of the original Liberty Bank, which opened in 1968 as the only Black-owned West Coast bank. Built through a collaboration between Africatown, the Black Community Impact Alliance, Community Roots Housing, and Centerstone, it promotes inclusivity and celebrates African American history.
Collaboration with the Central District community, funders, and owners to conduct extensive outreach in the hiring process resulted in WALSH achieving 24 percent WMBE subcontractor participation in the project. Early and thorough coordination was required to coordinate local artist installations throughout the project, including a massive, five-story outdoor courtyard mural.
