As technology companies continue flocking to Seattle to capitalize on the abundance of talent, the modern workplace continues to evolve with them. To stay competitive in this market, property owners are faced with myriad decisions to help their building keep pace with new developments. This process of evaluating a building’s ambiance, convenience and comfort, and transforming it into a flexible, adaptable, and amenity-rich working environment, goes beyond updating paint and furniture. It is a complete renewal.

At the same time, like any makeover, it is important to preserve the original, timeless elements and characteristics that make the spaces what [or who] they are. It is a challenge that GLY and NBBJ embraced recently on Seattle’s Two Union Square. After two years of construction, owner Washington Holdings proudly revealed the final showpieces of the renovation, a 9,000 square foot parabolic wood beam ceiling and a 6,500 square foot 3D stone wall. Despite the dramatic change you see in the before and after photos below, the new space retains its mantle as a quintessentially Northwest building, just like it did in the 1980s.

Once word got out about the modernization, news and awards popped up at a steady pace. We invite you to learn more about this technically challenging project by exploring the links below.

award: 2019 NWCB Outstanding Project, Suspended Ceiling/Commerical

award: 2019 AIA Honor Awards Submissions Gallery

award: 2019 NAIOP Night of the Stars Nominations Gallery

press: NAIOP WA Development Magazine: How to Reposition a Building to Meet Changing Expectations
By: David Yuan, Robert Mankin and Chris Beza

press: PSBJ: Geology + Nature Inspire New ‘Great Wall’ in Seattle Tower Lobby

video: Washington Holdings CEO Craig Wrench – Two Union Goals + Concepts

video: Expression of Gratitude: NBBJ

Great Wall

Before

After [Photo: © KEVIN SCOTT – All Rights Reserved]

Main Lobby

Before

After [Photo: © Sean Airhart/NBBJ]

Lower Lobby

Before

After [Photo: © Sean Airhart/NBBJ]

Dining

Before

After [Photo: © Sean Airhart/NBBJ]

Elevator Lobby

Before

After [Photo: © KEVIN SCOTT - All Rights Reserved]