Breaking ground at 400 Westlake marks Martin Selig Real Estate’s first major step into Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood

In mid-February, Martin Selig Real Estate (MSRE) broke ground on 400 Westlake, our inaugural project   in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. After more than two years of pre-design and planning, we’re excited to kick off a 16-month-long construction phase expected to conclude in the summer of 2021.

“Breaking ground at 400 Westlake is a remarkable achievement for the company,” said Executive Vice President Jordan Selig, who was joined at the event by founder Martin Selig, staff from the MSRE office, construction crew from Lease Crutcher Lewis and architect partners from Perkins + Will. “This is an important milestone in our company’s history that ushers in a new era of sustainable commercial real estate in downtown Seattle.”

The Most Sustainable Commercial Office Building of its Type and Size in the World

Once complete, 400 Westlake will be the greenest commercial office building of its size. To achieve top-notch sustainability standards, the building’s green features will include:

• A sustainable water management system to collect rainwater for non-potable uses
• More than $1 million in solar panels
• Structural design to maximize natural light within the building and minimize the use of fossil fuels for artificial lighting

As a result, 400 Westlake will generate more energy than it will consume and use 75% less energy than required by current regulations under the 2012 Seattle Energy Code.

The property is also part of the Seattle’s Living Building Pilot Program (LBPP), which Ms. Selig helped create. The LBPP aims to mitigate environmental impacts of local construction and transportation industries. By prioritizing sustainability, the program enables MSRE to develop 25% more square feet at the property, equal to the building’s top two floors.

Redesigning the Firestone Tire Building

The landmark Firestone Tire Building has stood at the site since 1929. During construction, the existing structure’s terracotta façades will be maintained and, once complete, the existing Firestone insignia will be restored.

Ascending from the original building will be a 15-story tower capped with a 3,500 square-foot landscaped roof that will boast views of Lake Union. Iconic artwork from Mr. Selig’s personal collection will be included in the property’s landscape and lobby for a truly exceptional design experience.

“This project is proof that you can build with green energy and historic preservation without sacrificing profits,” Ms. Selig said. “We’re really pushing the edge with this project. We hope to set an example for the rest of the world and do what’s right for the planet.”

Pre-leasing is underway for more than 230,000 square feet of office space and 9,000 square feet of ground-level retail space. Contact one of our leasing agents to learn more.