‘Informal’ history museum, auto store in Fremont to be replaced by 5-story commercial building

A site occupied by a variety of small retail tenants, informal Fremont history museum and an auto parts store will be removed for a five-story retail and office building.

A Land Use Application was accepted by the City of Seattle that will pave the way for the demolition of the current buildings and the construction of the building and parking for more than 200 vehicles.

What are they building?

Plans call for 105,432 square feet of office space above 15,211 square feet of retail space, according to design guidance from the Department of Planning & Development. Parking will be provided below ground level.

The building will occupy the lot where the Fremont Chamber of Commerce is located, as well as the History House and Milstead Coffee.

The city’s Design Review Board unanimously supported a design of the building that includes a through-block connection, public plaza, feature stair, and an interior courtyard spaces. That design also includes a roof deck. All design alternatives include a central lobby and notched stair flanked by retail space.

The lot at 744 N 34th St. is surrounded by some of Fremont’s most recognized landmarks, including the Fremont Troll to the north. The Fremont Public Library sits just behind the lot on 35th Street. Directly east is the Aurora Bridge.

The project also sits among a significant number of open spaces. To the north of the lot is the future A.B. Ernst Park. To the south is Burke Gilman Trail access.

“The opportunity for connections &#8212 physical, spatial, and visual &#8212 between these spaces via this building and site presents a major opportunity for the project,” the project description reads.

The building is expected to be finished and occupied in 2017, according to the city.

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