Block 52e adds a 12-story, Class A Office building with four levels of below-grade parking to the growing South Lake Union neighborhood.

The first four floors form a podium element approximately 45 feet high, upon which eight office tower floors rest. The podium terrace incorporates numerous green roof amenities and outdoor seating elements.

The above-grade floors are massed toward the north, forming a signature Vulcan public open space at grade level along Thomas Street.

GLY performed extensive preconstruction services, including a comprehensive structural systems design analysis to determine the most cost effective yet flexible option for meeting tenant requirements. The resulting structural solution is post-tensioned concrete up to level one and a steel superstructure through the roof.

Regrade Recreation

The 1900s Denny Regrade, a significant piece of Seattle’s development [and somewhat controversial at the time], is referenced in the building’s structure, both inside and out] – starting with the podium. If you take a step back and look at the building as a whole, you’ll notice that the tower nearly sits on top of a lift—a distinct separation between the tower and podium. The separation represents cribbing, a method used to preserve homes during the Denny Regrade.

The podium is just the start. Upon further exploration, tenants, passersby, and visitors will see other regrade reflections from stacked timber in the lobby to elevation markings on the main entrance canopy, showing the land’s original elevation.