Student Work

Course Description

Cascade Community - Nighttime Exterior Building Perspective — Cascade Community Nighttime Exterior Building Perspective

Cascade Community Living

Student: Gray Walters
Studio: ARCH 503 — Melissa Mechsler — Fall 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

Cascade Community reimagines a prominent corner in Rainier Beach as a vibrant neighborhood hub, blending family housing with ground-floor retail to encourage daily activity and connection. In an area shaped by low-density suburban patterns, the project introduces a more urban approach to infill—one that prioritizes walkability, visibility, and a strong relationship between buildings and the street. By activating the corner with shops and services, it supports a sense of place while meeting everyday needs within walking distance.

Cascade Community Presentation _ Exterior Circulation Perspective — Cascade Community Presentation Exterior Circulation Perspective

The design weaves together circulation and community through a series of stacked exterior spaces that wind through the building. These open-air pathways, terraces, and shared zones create opportunities for neighbors to interact, offering moments of connection at multiple levels. At the same time, the building maintains a clear focus on the street, reinforcing its role in shaping a lively public realm. The result is a layered living environment where private homes, shared spaces, and public life intersect—demonstrating how thoughtful infill can transform underutilized sites into cohesive, community-centered places.

Cascade Community Presentation_Section Through Main Entrance at Henderson Street — Cascade Community Presentation Section Through Main Entrance at Henderson Street

Images from Cascade Community Living.