What are they building? Historic International District hotel getting new life

This week’s edition of “What are they building?” should actually be called “what are they re-building,” after work began this week on the redevelopment of Seattle’s landmark Publix Hotel.

The iconic hotel has been a fixture in the International District since it was built in 1928 next to the Chinatown Gate over South King Street at 5th Avenue and South King Street.

The Publix originally was built to house transient immigrant workers from Asia amid a Depression-era growth spurt in the city. It’s been vacant seen 2003.

The building is owned by Uwajima Inc., the 87-year-old Asian grocery company of Seattle scions the Moriguchi family.

The family is spending $24 million to overhaul the building, which will become home to 125 market-rate apartments.

The project is being led by Seattle-based Spectrum Development Solutions. In addition to a major makeover, an adjacent building will be partially demolished to make way for a new wing of apartments and retail space.

The single rooms will be converted into studio and one-bedroom apartments, while the new wing will also offer two- and three-bedroom units.

The Publix will feature a roof-top penthouse and community room opening to a large terrace with views of downtown and the Puget Sound. It’ll also feature an off-leash pet area, fitness center, community kitchen and party room, media lounge, bike storage and repair stations. It will also include underground parking and 12,000 square feet of commercial space and a public courtyard.

While the building will be essentially brand new, the developer will restore the grand historic lobby, original storefronts and canopy to their original locations.

“Today, there is a shortage of market-rate housing in Chinatown/International District and the Publix is coming to the rescue once again ensuring its longevity,” said Tomio Moriguchi, board chairman of Uwajimaya, in a release. “Like the 1930s, we have thousands of workers moving to Seattle and we want them to have the opportunity to not only visit but live in the Chinatown/International District.”

Along with Spectrum Development Solutions, the project team includes lead architect Clark Design Group, in collaboration with Graham Baba Architects. Marpac Construction is the general contractor.

The Publix is slated to open in early 2016. It’s one of of several major apartment redevelopments taking place in the area, which is seeing a resurgence thanks to Seattle’s economic boom.

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