4730 California

Weber Thompson loves it when a project extends the fabric of a neighborhood and is welcomed with open arms. After working closely with the community and receiving their overwhelming support, the 4730 California team designed a building that provides new housing and retail to the center of West Seattle’s shopping and dining district.

Client Name

The Wolff Company

Location

Seattle, WA

Services

Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture

Completion Date

Q1 2015

Certifications

LEED-H Gold

pROJECT OVERVIEW

7 Stories
14,375 SF Site
114,378 GSF
52,738 SF Residential
5,476 SF Retail
88 Residential Units

Awards

2016 Gold Nugget Awards
Award of Merit Honoree
Best Multi-Family Housing Community – Over 250 du/acre 

Contacts

Scott Thompson
Principal in Charge

Jeff Reibman
Senior Principal, Project Contact

Bernadette Kelly
Interior Design Principal

Rachael Meyer
Landscape Architecture Principal

Services

The team’s integrated design approach lent itself to a cohesive project at 4730 California. A polished, modern aesthetic with a nautical vibe permeates the architecture, interiors and landscape design.

photography: DOUG SCOTT, Weber thompson

4730 California Architecture

4730 California’s architecture is defined by sensitivity to context and thoughtful consideration for how a new development can interact with and enhance existing communities.

4730 California Pedestrian Passthrough

A hidden entry

Nearly 5,000 sf of retail wraps around the north corner of the building and extends into a new mid-block pedestrian connector. This pass through is generously widened and activated by holding the building back at ground level and lining it with retail, the building’s main entry and activity spaces such the tenant amenity and lounge area. This activity follows the entire connector and continues part way along the back of the building with the fitness center, creating eyes on the alley and enhancing safety.

4730 California Ave

Clean lines and form

A strong corner tower marks the entrance to the connector, with a base that allows for ample seating, and overhead weather protection creating a small enclave that welcomes pedestrians and residents. A second element, above the retail bays, steps back to create landscaped amenities for the apartments at the third level. The modulation of the façade is highly detailed on all four sides to create visual interest and draw the eye.

4730 California Interior Design

West Seattle is all about big city amenities with a small town vibe, and residents of 4730 California Avenue are situated in the heart of it all. The interiors are imbued with a modern nautical vibe, paintings by local artists, and an elevated design aesthetic that stands out from the crowd in this rapidly densifying district.

Lobby at 4730 California.

Nautical-inspired design

Inspired by the project’s proximity to the water and the beach, the design of 4730 California is the perfect combination of a modern nautical-inspired design that never approaches kitschy. Rich textures and natural materials such as reclaimed wood barn doors contrast high-shine fixtures and other utterly modern details to strike a perfect balance.

4730 California lobby amenity space

Amenities

Amenities are in no short supply at 4730 California. They include a fitness room, rooftop deck and generous lounge and gathering spaces. A mid-block pedestrian walkway provides easy access to street-level retail and the shops, restaurants and stores that abound in the immediate neighborhood.

4730 California Unit Design

Unit design

The units’ functional design was maximized to make the space feel larger. The unique floorplans offer large bathrooms and kitchens perfect for entertaining. The high-end finishes give the units an edge over the competition. 

4730 California Landscape Architecture

Located in the heart of West Seattle’s tightly-knit ‘Junction,’ the team crafted an innovative mid-block connector between the busy retail space of California Ave and an existing alleyway.

West Seattle project 4730 California.

A mid-block connection

The design team took a huge leap of faith and fully embraced the mid-block connector as an integral part of the design vision. Retail lines the frontage, and the lobby entry is pulled deep into the passageway. Plantings, lighting elements, and seating activate the space and ensure user safety to make this connector a unique amenity and entry threshold for the building.

Views abound at 4730 California.

Views from mountains to sound

Residents of 4730 California have access to a stunning rooftop deck. One of several well-considered amenities, the roof deck at 4730 California provides panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and downtown Seattle. A rose arbor provides shade and wind protection for residents enjoying the view.

Sustainability

The project is certified LEED Gold for Homes, Mid-Rise. The landscape includes a drought-tolerant green roof which covers 45% of the roof area. This green roof is beneficial as it diverts runoff, provides habitat for pollinators and insulates the building. Inside, low-flow fixtures, low-VOC finishes and other considerations for health and wellness were paramount.

“The ground-level entry at 4730 California is one of my all-time favorite project features. Its location in the pedestrian pass-through, back from the sidewalk frontage, adds a real ‘sense of discovery’, and the oversized pivot entry doors really top it off.”

Greg Van Patten, Client

“4730 California is a building that is in a league of its own amongst the competition. If you’re looking for a well-maintained, high-end construction, smaller footprint apartment building that is impeccably managed then you should start your search here.”

Resident Review

“An awesome place to live in West Seattle! Great location, pet friendly, clean, and modern, with great amenities. I love that it’s a smaller complex that gives it a cozy feel.”

Resident Review

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