DESC

Seattle, WA

SMR designed a new permanent supportive housing development at 2626 15th Ave W, Seattle. The development features 109 studio units, five short-term respite units, a large common kitchen, supportive service offices, and indoor/outdoor community spaces for the building’s tenants. Located on a steep slope in the Interbay neighborhood, the site contained many challenges including overhead power line setbacks, classification as an Environmentally Critical Area, and a 35 foot grading change between 15th Ave W and the alley east of the side. SMR Architects successfully addressed these challenging site constraints while still achieving DESC’s desired program and unit count by orienting the primary level 1 common areas along 15th Ave and locating more private spaces against a retaining wall along the east side of the building. The upper floor layout is L-shaped to provide vehicle access to the alley at level 2 and avoid construction within the steepest portion of the site. The building is named in honor of Steven Bullock, DESC’s former Deputy Director of operations, who passed away in 2025. This new building continues Steven’s legacy of compassion.