This Capitol Hill project transforms a former Auto Row garage through a strategy of insertion, preservation, and reuse, extending the life of an existing structure within a growing urban neighborhood.

Melrose Square is the adaptive reuse of an auto garage originally constructed in the 1930s. The growth of “Auto Row” in Seattle’s Capitol Hill continues to evolve. This neighborhood is one example of how American cities are looking inward to embrace infill vs. sprawl. The decision to preserve nearly all of the existing structure was a driving factor that guided subsequent design moves. The project utilizes a 3-pronged approach to accomplish this objective: Insertion, Preservation, and Reuse.