Brick by Brick: Chapter Building I Wins Top Honor
Yesterday evening, the Northwest Masonry Institute celebrated a wide range of standout projects as part of its Excellence in Masonry Awards, and we’re proud to share that Chapter Building I took home to the top honors in the Commercial category.
Recently completed in Seattle's University District, Chapter Building I is a 320,000-square-foot life science development. Masonry plays a defining role in the building’s identity. The façade features over 280,000 bricks in two custom gray tones, carefully detailed to create depth, rhythm, and a strong connection to the evolving context of the U District.
Yesterday evening, the Northwest Masonry Institute celebrated a wide range of standout projects as part of its Excellence in Masonry Awards, and we’re proud to share that Chapter Building I took home to the top honors in the Commercial category.
Recently completed in Seattle's University District, Chapter Building I is a 320,000-square-foot life science development. Masonry plays a defining role in the building’s identity. The façade features over 280,000 bricks in two custom gray tones, carefully detailed to create depth, rhythm, and a strong connection to the evolving context of the U District.
In total, more than 2.6 million pounds of material was installed by hand over prefabricated wall panels.
Access and logistics presented some challenges. Adjacent structures limited conventional scaffolding options. Custom-engineered scaffold systems were supported from the decks and shoring, ensuring safe, efficient access and maintaining production rates that peaked at 30,000 pounds of material installed daily by 15-20 union masons.
The 12-story building blends lab and office space, retail, and outdoor gathering areas including the Brooklyn Cut, a pedestrian connector that links the project to the surrounding neighborhood.
It's an example of how thoughtful design and skilled execution can elevate both a project and place.