Every neighborhood has a unique personality, a defining characteristic that separates it from nearby communities. Our goal has always been to design and build structures that complement the surroundings and become a natural part of the neighborhood. We first incorporated significant public art components in a mixed use residential and retail development in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Long home to a large contingent of Seattle artists and craftspeople, Fremont is bursting with neighborhood public art projects, both impromptu and planned. Naturally, public input was absolutely essential. We worked with a group of local artists to include artist-built components as part of our development. The fun and rewarding process resulted in a mix of unique elements embraced by the community, while also attracting national recognition. The Fremont experience taught us that it is possible to provide extraordinary artist-built components, rather than common stock items, by leveraging our construction budgets. We also found that an art element not only adds interest to our buildings, but also is a way of recognizing the disruption new construction imposes on the neighborhood and helps make amends with the community. In the end we are able to leave the neighborhood with a unique, community-oriented landmark to be enjoyed long after we’re gone. John M Marasco |