Student Work

Course Description

9019 Rainier Apartments

Student: Sam Hernandez
Studio: ARCH 503 — Julia Nagele — Fall 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

9019 Rainier Apartments transforms a busy Rainier Beach corridor into a vibrant mixed-use destination that supports both living and local enterprise. The project combines multifamily housing with ground-floor commercial spaces designed for small businesses, artists, and makers, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and neighborhood identity. An urban pocket park offers a moment of calm within the active streetscape, inviting both residents and visitors to gather, pause, and connect.

At the heart of the design is a striking double-skin facade that allows each apartment to adapt to the needs and preferences of its occupants. This layered exterior gives residents the ability to shape their living spaces—adjusting light, privacy, and expression—while contributing to a dynamic and ever-changing building identity. As a result, the facade becomes a visible reflection of the diverse community within. By combining flexible housing, active commercial space, and accessible public areas, 9019 Rainier Apartments promotes a sense of ownership, creativity, and belonging, offering a new model for inclusive and personalized urban living.

Images from 9019 Rainier Apartments.