Overview

Why is the Tashiro renovation important?

    Our examination of the Tashiro Kaplan Building is based upon the changing fabric of the Pioneer Square community over the past ten years.  The Tashiro Kaplan renovation project is representative of efforts on the part of both private investors and the City of Seattle reestablish a stable resident population.  Given the high cost of living in Seattle and especially the Pioneer Square neighborhood, Tashiro provides an affordable housing solution.  It is also important to establish the Tashiro Kaplan building for exclusive use by the artist community because often, artist are forced out of areas by the onslaught of gentrification.  By dedicating the use of the Tashiro Kaplan Building to the artist community, Artspace Inc. is hoping to develop a sustainable living and work environment in the Seattle urban core.  The renovation of the Tashiro Kaplan Building is also important to the Pioneer Square neighborhood because it makes use of a previously vacant structure.

Mixed-use space - a combination of uses built into a single building or close proximity with the express purpose of developing a symbiotic relationship between functions.

    Mixed-use space is a concept that has become increasingly popular in urban development dialogue because it helps to maximize utility for the limited availability of space.  For this to be possible, it requires flexible zoning classifications or dual zoning, in which both commercial and residential are allowed.   Pioneer Square exemplifies the locations for which mixed-use development is ideal because it is in the urban core and the historical preservation of many of the buildings does not allow for wholesale redevelopment for expansion.  Mixed-use space is also an important factor in combating issues of urban sprawl, by reducing the need for new building construction in suburban locals when there are suitable structures available in the city.

Introduction: 

Tashiro Kaplan

Grand Opening - June 1st, 2004

    The creation of the artist housing in Pioneer Square will involve the integration of two buildings, the Tashiro and the Kaplan, into a single mixed-use building.  The purpose of the Tashiro Kaplan project is to cater specifically to the artist community and to meet the needs of this population.  Every element is based upon creating an ideal environment for creative expression as well as helping to artists to gain access to the art market.  The 50 units of living and work space will be leased to artists from many different disciplines of visual, performance, literary and graphic art.  

    The built-in exhibition space will be leased to arts related and arts compatible businesses as well as the King County Office of Cultural Resources.   The county office will help to connect artists to local resources available to them as well as integrate the artist community with the art market.  In addition to the close proximity to galleries, Tashiro is also conveniently located near venues for the performing arts.  There are seven three-bedroom units in the building, which are all expressly reserved for artists with children.

    The project developers were extremely fortunate in the case of the Tashiro and Kaplan buildings because the original structure was built to support up to 8 stories, though it had only been built up to three.  The renovation will entail completely gutting and reconstructing the  interior of the buildings, while preserving the facade,  and adding and additional three stories to make 6 total floors.  The exterior of the upper three stories will be matched to the existing exterior to preserve the architectural style of the original buildings.  Because of the need to make changes that alter the exterior of the building, namely the addition of the floors, Artspace Inc. was limited in its ability to capitalize on public funds for historical renovations.

    Upon completion, the 50 residential  and work space units of the project will be entirely autonomous.  The individual living areas will be sectioned off to create a distinct separation between the the living and work spaces.  The residential space will be modest in size, but apportioned so as to use the limited space efficiently.  The main focus of the design is to construct work areas that will accommodate artists and provide all of the necessary amenities for creative expression.  Some of the most important features of the work area are the open floor plan and the large picture windows to let in natural light.  Each residential unit will also be assigned an individual storage space to accommodate large canvases, sculptures, and other oversized art supplies.

Home Page    Artspace Projects Inc   Pioneer Square    Artist Housing Needs

First Thursday Artwalk    Application Process    Pro Forma  

 Social Impacts    Dissenting Opinion    Conclusion

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