Embracing Community

Being built on NW Market Street in the flourishing Ballard neighborhood in Seattle, Kanepē features 165 residential rental units and commercial space that invites neighborhood residents and visitors to gather together. With a walking score of 90, this Ballard neighborhood, with all its unique character, history and bounty, is home to more than 22 craft breweries, inventive new restaurants, convenient shopping, and one of Seattle’s most beloved Farmer’s Markets. The area’s natural and ecological abundance has been recognized and treasured throughout its history – from the settlements of the Duwamish tribe, followed by the Scandinavians, to the now current, diverse residents and businesses who continue to work to sustain its soul, and its resources. FA Johnson Development honors its responsibility to be a part of the preservation of this beautiful, abundant neighborhood.

Livability and Sustainability

Kanepē is uniquely designed to promote natural interior light, as well as internal and external temperature regulation by making the existing, mature oak trees, as well as a 75’ Douglas Fir integral to its architecture. Additionally, Kanepē will be among the first buildings in Ballard to be built under Seattle’s new energy code, providing residents with the most efficient and comfortable heating, cooling and lighting systems. With this new code, we’ll employ heat recovery ventilation systems with air filtering for improved air quality throughout the building, provide in unit heating and cooling using a localized heat pump system, capture solar energy to reduce pull from the city grid, and include LED lighting with remote controls that better utilize natural light.

Intentional Connection with Nature

Kanepē invites residents and neighbors to enjoy strolling along treelined sidewalks under a canopy of beautiful, mature oak trees. Or enjoy a few moments of fresh air and birdsong in one of the several outside light courts. Ways to make intentional connections with nature are at the heart of this project’s design.

As concern continues to center around climate change and heat increasing dramatically across the country, a recent movement has begun to bring attention to the incredible value of preserving and planting trees to protect and heal our nation’s urban environments. This is why FA Johnson Development has made the Market Street Oak and Douglas Fir tree rooted on the property a cornerstone of the projects design – to help do its part for the community in this way. The building is set back to allow the trees to grow and thrive, as well as open up space for people to enjoy in passing. Trees, especially well-established trees, are considered “superheroes” by scientists, naturalists, and children alike. They cool streets and buildings by providing shade, improve air quality by converting CO2 into oxygen, prevent soil erosion, create ecosystems for wildlife, and so much more.

Groups of city trees, like the distinctive mature oaks along Market Street, are considered “Urban Forests” by people like Mark McPherson, the founder and director of a Seattle nonprofit called City Forest Credits. Learn more about the enormous benefits of Urban Forests here.

Architectural design and renderings developed by PUBLIC47 Architects, LLC.