Material Urbanism: Building Distinction in the Fremont Urban Village in Seattle, Washington

Abstract

Seattle’s Urban Villages are at risk of losing the distinctive characteristics that make them interesting places to live. Under the city’s Comprehensive Plan, urban villages are targeted for increased population density. To reach target levels of density, much building development is happening. The urban villages often contain many small, older buildings that house locally owned retail businesses. These older buildings offer a scale of use that is conducive to small business. Often, these small buildings are demolished through the course of building larger developments. The result is that small businesses are unable to stay in the neighborhood. This leads to a loss of character and social distinction in a neighborhood. This thesis proposes implementing a small scale of use in new mixed-use buildings as a way to maintain an atmosphere that supports local retail in the Fremont Urban Village in Seattle, Washington. Concentrating many small retail spaces creates a social intensity that lends distinction to a neighborhood. The concentration of small businesses creates a culture of economic reciprocity. Money spent at a local business tends to circulate within the community longer than money spent at large chain or franchise stores. This results in a stronger retail community and a more distinctive built environment.