Salish Lodge & Spa Unveils a Fresh Take on a Classic with The Restaurant & Terrace Bar

In MIXYPLIX’s recently published article, “萨利什温泉旅馆 Unveils a Fresh Take on a Classic with The Restaurant & Terrace Bar,” Jenise Silva explores the resort’s new design concept and reimagined menu at the newly reopened onsite restaurant.

“The renovation, led by MG2 Architecture and Absher Construction, has expanded the restaurant’s footprint to over 3,100 square feet. Outside, the new Terrace Bar and Patio add an additional 1,237 square feet of heated, covered space—perfect for cozy, year-round dining. The firepits in the Sunset area make for an inviting spot to enjoy an evening cocktail with a view.”

Eatertainment Through Design

MG2 Principal and Founder of MG2 Advisory Melissa Gonzales joined Anjee Solanki of Colliers on the Retail: Recorded podcast to discuss the evolution of eatertainment and findings from MG2 Advisory’s report.

Melissa shares her approach to balancing cost, flexibility, and storytelling to create spaces that foster connection, community, and memorable experiences.

Is Blank Street Coffee the Next Starbucks?

MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Inside Retail’s Editor Nicole Kirichanskaya on the new and upcoming brand, Blank Street Coffee.

“As the MG2 Principal told Inside Retail, ‘The brand’s minimalist aesthetic and trendy beverage options, such as the matcha-based drinks and seasonal cold brews, contribute to the company’s cult-like following and viral content moments.'”

Edgeworks Climbing and Fitness Is Project of the Week in Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce

Edgeworks Climbing Gym and Fitness in Bellevue, WA, was the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce’s Project of the Week.

“The renovated location now totals 40,000 square feet and includes a 45-foot interior mass filled with climbing walls, a new front desk and check-in area, public social spaces, a yoga room and new restrooms.”

More Americans are living in malls, as developers get creative to help ease the housing crisis

Recently featured in CNBC, Flatiron Crossing is undergoing a transformation into a thriving outdoor park experience. Located in Bloomfield, Colorado, the mixed-use complex will include residential, food and beverage, entertainment, and office space within a 9-acre nature park space.

Woods Restaurant Named Honorable Mention in VMSD’s Retail Renovation Competition

We’re excited to see Woods Restaurant named an honorable mention in VMSD’s Retail Renovation Competition.

Woods Restaurant on Mackinac Island has been a beloved destination for guests and visitors for many years. The restaurant recently partnered with MG2 to renovate and refresh its interiors while maintaining the classic experience visitors know and love.

Eatertainment Venues Must ‘Earn’ Customers’ Time with Community and Camaraderie

Recently highlighted in Retail TouchPoints by Editor Adam Blair, For the Thrill of It: Eatertainment Experiences That Cater to All dives into the key drivers of a successful eatertainment venue.

“There’s a reason that ‘eat’ comes first in ‘eatertainment.’ ‘People want to have a one-stop destination, and if you can do that successfully, you’ll earn more of their time and wallet,’ said Melissa Gonzalez.”

10 Restaurant Design Lessons Chains Can Learn from Indies

Chain restaurants are consistent in both their food and their design, which is a huge part of their appeal to consumers, who know exactly what to expect on subsequent visits, even to new locations.

Bars should also ideally be visible from the entrance, says Joy Dayaw, associate, MG2 Design, Seattle, to create an immediate impression and to attract early arrivals

MG2 Listed in Building Design+Construction’s Top 200 Architecture Firms for 2024

MG2 ranked among the top 20 in Building Design+Construction Media’s recently released Top 200 Architecture Firms for 2024.

Research & Insights – August 2024

For the Thrill of It: Eatertainment Experiences That Cater to All

Eatertainment has been called the most disruptive force in the industry since the launch of fast casual*. As part of the “experience economy”, eatertainment taps into longtime favorites like bowling and mini golf, as well as newer entrants like pickleball, surfing and escape rooms. And while these environments are often designed with a specific activity in mind and include elements such as interactive dining, live performances and innovative technology, it is important that owners, operators and designers consider 什么 their audience truly desires in these spaces as a way to unlock a sense of connectivity, and ultimately drive repeat visitation and spend. In our investigation, we sought to understand and identify the eatertainment environment features that deliver the most value to consumers and the on-site amenities and programming opportunities that contribute to making the experience an unforgettable one.

*Robert Thompson, CEO of Angevin & Co. 

The full report is available for download at the bottom of this preview. Take me there now!

What We Learned – Consumer Personas Defined

Per our investigation, each of our respondents self-identified with one of the following consumer personas, providing a deeper look into their experience with and their perceptions of an eatertainment environment, and which enhanced offerings would deliver the most value to them:

48%, Funclusives

Defined as individuals whose preferred experience is one where they don’t need to be an expert to enjoy themselves and there is a level of accessible and social fun; appeals to first-timers, those newer to a game or activity; food is a secondary component of the experience.

29%, Food Fanatics

Defined as individuals whose preferred experience is one where the food and beverage offering is on par with or exceeding the entertainment; appeals to those who view the entertainment component as icing on the cake and secondary to the food offering.

23%, Competitively Social

Defined as individuals whose preferred experience is to participate in a certain activity (i.e., pickleball, golf, sports betting); appeals to more avid fans and those who want to get in on the action and compete; food is a secondary component of the experience.

The Opportunity, Evolution, and Growth of Eatertainment

Eatertainment has a rich history, from traditional bowling alleys with finger foods and pitchers of beer, to mini golf with ice cream and snow cones, to arcades with soda fountains and bubble gum machines. What gives this genre staying power is its function as a “third place”, a welcoming destination to convene with others, offering a unique blend of entertainment, dining and social experiences that foster a sense of community and belonging. If we look at key drivers of society today, and the near future, the transformation of how we work, naturally interact and discover have all evolved consumers’ needs and wants. Digitization continues to open up access to information and communities on a global level creating an always connected society while also fostering a paradoxical sense of disconnection. This juxtaposition opens an underlying yearning and craving for real, in-person activities, connected through shared experiences of joy and laughter and escapism. By studying the cross generational influences from Gen Z to Boomers, we uncover the opportunities that exist for these environments to embody the pillars of desire, blending the nostalgia of traditional pastimes with modern innovations and providing experiences that become a beacon for socialization, joy, camaraderie and thrills. Experiences that keep guests wanting to come back again and again.

Interested in More? Download the Full Report!


社区环境

Angel of the Winds RV Resort & Entertainment Space

The Clubhouse at Angel of the Winds RV Resort in Arlington, WA, is inspired by the grand lodges of the National Parks. An RV-sized porte-cochere is the gateway to the resort, directly connecting guests to the entrance for a seamless arrival experience. The property offers an elevated camping environment, which today’s travelers are looking for.

Essential to the building’s design is its indoor/outdoor connection, emphasized by floor-to-ceiling windows. A grand hall has a gable roof, high ceilings, and a large fireplace for gatherings. Shou Sugi Ban Charred Wood, used on the façade, is repeated in the interior, along with locally finished cedar wood ceilings and paneling. A large communal firepit reminiscent of a campfire beckons guests to meet and mingle and encourages impromptu conversation. S’Klallam artist Brian Perry crafted traditionally inspired art pieces found throughout the property. A gathering room featuring a lounge area with foosball and pool tables and a view of the outdoors was designed for casual conversation.

Beyond the Clubhouse lies the resort’s extensive facilities, which include 182 RV stalls, 8 yurts, hotel-quality restrooms with shower and laundry facilities, picnic and BBQ shelters, an off-leash dog park, an interpretive walking trail, 9 fire pits, pickleball courts, a miniature golf course, and a children’s playground. In the distance is a lookout pavilion with a view of the valley and Mt. Baker. The Clubhouse is designed to serve the entire RV resort as a gathering and entertainment space infused with the area’s natural wonder.


社区环境

Salish Lodge Renovation

休息与放松的可持续融合

The renowned Salish Lodge & Spa, recognized by Conde Nast for its excellence, is a prominent hotel and spa situated atop a cliff overlooking Snoqualmie Falls in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2017, MG2 was tasked with refreshing the facility while maintaining its Northwest character. This involved renovating indoor and outdoor spaces, including guest bathrooms, and updating interior finishes and the exterior facade. MG2 also designed the spa interior, seamlessly blending Japanese influences with the local aesthetic, creating a serene atmosphere with cedar wood tones, soothing eucalyptus fragrances, and natural stones for an elevated guest experience focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.

In 2023, MG2 further enhanced the lodge, introducing a new lobby bar, a rideshare-friendly porte cochere, and a bespoke grand timber reception desk. These additions modernized the lodge, streamlined operations and elevated the overall guest experience.



社区环境

Riverfront Brewery Concept

Nestled within the vibrant Washington neighborhood, the Riverfront Brewery harmoniously merges brewing operations with a captivating taproom and restaurant concept, accompanied by sprawling outdoor patios and a scenic rooftop deck. Positioned prominently, it serves as a gateway into the district, anchoring the multiple residential buildings to the North. As part of the larger redevelopment and master planning efforts, Riverfront Brewery contributes to the district’s vision of a mixed-use environment, seamlessly blending residential, retail, and dining options.


  • Project Details

  • 地点 华盛顿州
  • 客户 保密
  • 市场分类
  • 规模 6,500 SF brewery operations; 4,000 SF taproom; 2,300 SF patios/roof deck
  • 设计服务
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Edgeworks Climbing & Fitness at Crossroads

As part of the Crossroads master plan, MG2 worked with ROIC and Edgeworks to design a new climbing gym. Edgeworks currently has three locations and offers fitness classes designed to complement a climbing routine. The gym, which includes a 10k SF addition to the existing 30k SF space, was completed in 2024. MG2 worked on the core and shell design and handled all phases of the project, from design through construction administration. This full-service project also featured a 45-foot interior mass filled with climbing walls, a new front desk and check-in area, public social spaces, a yoga room, new restrooms, and the renovation of existing restrooms, providing a comprehensive solution for the client.


社区环境

Flatiron Crossing

Flatiron Crossing is undergoing a transformation into a thriving outdoor park experience with the intent to highlight the Flatiron Mountain namesake. A mix of uses will include residential, F&B, entertainment, and future office all within a 9-acre nature park space. The architecture blends seamlessly with the park to create a truly integrated experience. Macerich’s commitment to sustainability is showcased with the use of mass timber and CLT in one of the signature buildings.


Research & Insights – May 2024

Creating New Kinds of Magic at the Movies

A trip to the movies is still regarded by consumers as the most cost-friendly yet entertaining out of home entertainment experience over sporting, live concerts, and amusement parks*. While pressures from at-home streaming are significant, movie theaters are still the leading place for out-of-home entertainment, providing large-format viewing experiences that cannot be achieved at home. In this report, we look to understand and identify the viewing experience elements that deliver the most value to consumers and the on-site amenities and activities that can elevate the traditional movie-going experience beyond what was expected.

*Cinema Foundation 2023

The full report is available for download at the bottom of this preview. Take me there now!

What We Learned – Consumer Personas Defined

Per our investigation, each of our respondents self-identified with one of the following consumer personas, providing a deeper look into their moviegoing preferences and the amenities and activities that would deliver the most value to them:

35%, Movie Minimalist

Defined as individuals who go to the movies every once in a while but does stream movies at home often; comfortable with the more traditional cinema and box office experience (popcorn, soda, big screen) without all the bells and whistles.

28%, Entertainment Seeker

Defined as individuals who go to the movies typically as a way to spend the afternoon or evening; may or may not have kids – values when there are attached options that complement the experience such as recreation, restaurants, or retail.

21%, Social Cinemagoer 

Defined as individuals who go to the movies typically for the social component of the experience; appreciates that cinema will always be a place for an intimate date night or taking part in the cultural buzz of the moment (i.e, Barbenheimer).

17%, Film Fanatic 

Defined as individuals who go to the movies often and prefer the experience to streaming; passionate about film as an art form from the storytelling to production and values cinemas that emphasize an immersive viewing experience.

What Moviegoers Want From the Cinema Experience

Consumers will pay for a heightened experience, as demonstrated by amusement parks, Broadway shows or immersive art installations, and movie theaters share a similar opportunity. Audiences want to be entertained and even with at-home streaming available to them, there is still a desire and an appetite to go in-person to the theater. While comfortable seating, a good view and popcorn have always been table stakes, consumer behaviors and expectations of the movie theater experience are evolving. They have come to expect convenience in all things, especially with the use of smartphones, and post-pandemic being comfortable is no longer negotiable. Additionally, many consumers today identify as “foodies” and are interested in an elevated and unique food and beverage experience while watching a movie. These changing behaviors and preferences illuminate an opportunity for cinema operators who want to expand their offerings in order to surprise and delight consumers, giving them more than one reason to visit the theater. 

Interested in More? Download the Full Report!

Arena Sports

全年运营的体育娱乐场地

MG2与Arena Sports合作,设计了首个位于Mill Creek的体育娱乐场馆。Arena Sports专注于家庭娱乐活动,重点发展室内足球运动。他们希望拥有充满活力的运动空间,并提供扩展服务,不仅可以汇聚运动员,也可以增添与家人和社区的纽带。

基于以上需求,MG2打造了可满足家庭娱乐项目的室内设施,其中包括场内餐饮设施、保龄球场、激光枪战游戏、攀岩、游戏机、充气游乐场和攀绳梯课程。设计的重要组成部分还包括用于举办特别活动、私人聚会和公司办公的便利设施。占地9100多平米的设施采用高效实用的布局,带有开放空间, 70个天窗保证了良好的自然采光。不论是退役的专业运动员、周末前来的业余爱好者,还是希望丰富孩子活动项目的家长,这一新建的体育中心可以满足不同人群的不同需求。


社区环境

Woods Restaurant

Woods Restaurant on Mackinac Island has been a beloved destination for guests and visitors for many years. The Tudor mansion was originally constructed in 1905 by the Cudahy family as an elaborate playhouse however, changing hands throughout the years brought various operations, from a recreation space, to a church, and to the currently  treasured Bavarian themed restaurant.

To keep up with changing tastes and trends while honoring its strong legacy, the restaurant recently partnered with MG2 to renovate and refresh its interiors while maintaining the classic experience visitors know and love.

The project aimed to create a cohesive environment that blended old and new elements, highlighting the historic charm of the restaurant while updating it to meet modern standards and breathe new life into previously underutilized areas. To achieve these goals, the renovation team touched nearly every space within the restaurant, from Bobby’s Bar to The Patio at Woods.

A Brand-New Sanctuary

The entry lobby underwent a meaningful transformation, featuring new furnishings, a built-in bench, and a colored glass wall that perfectly complements the exterior surroundings and stained-glass windows of the main dining room. These elements create a unique and brand-new sanctuary that adds to the restaurant’s historic charm and character.

Personal Touches and Old-World Charm

Named after an award-winning show dog, Bobby’s Bar was refreshed and expanded, providing additional seating and a rejuvenated atmosphere for guests. Complimenting the photographs, awards, and memorabilia from Bobby’s life, which provide a touch of personalization to the space, the deep green tones of the area’s surrounding foliage have been artfully reimagined into a dimensional tile bar front. The original brass rails were expertly reworked into suspended brass liquor and glass storage, adding to an atmosphere steeped with vintage charisma.

Refreshed, Accessible Elegance

In the Great Hall, the fixtures, furnishings, and equipment were rejuvenated, while the restaurant’s “Bavarian hunting lodge” charm and personality were intricately maintained with historic patterned wallcovering and playful woodland animal details. The new additions create a luxurious atmosphere that complements the space’s high-vaulted ceilings and adds to the overall elegance of the dining experience.

To make the space more accessible, the restrooms were reconfigured and expanded to include ADA stalls, ensuring all guests can enjoy a dining experience at Woods without limitations.

Transformative New Dining Experiences

With its ample glass windows, The Chalet received a stunning addition in the form of a see-through two-sided fireplace that connects the interior dining experience to the outdoor deck extension and seamlessly blends both environments. In addition, the mix-and-match decor vignettes featuring taxidermy animal heads and vintage trophies add a unique touch that captures the room’s picturesque surroundings.

The Patio was expanded, and a new covered wood and glass dining pavilion was added to blend visually with the existing structure. The inviting fireplace dining table in the center of the pavilion creates a unique and cozy dining experience.

The Trophy Hall, previously an underused area, was transformed into a new dining area. The installation of built-in booths and millwork with metal mesh screens, as well as uplighting, helped add a warm ambiance and create a welcoming environment that offers guests prime views of the outdoor deck beyond.

A Harmonious Renovation

Throughout the renovation, the design team leveraged new or refinished interior fixtures, furnishings, and equipment that seamlessly blended with the restaurant’s rustic charm and modern elegance.

The result is a revitalized and harmonious environment that pays tribute to Woods storied past while catering to contemporary standards. The perfect blend of old and new elements produces an inviting, immersive, and refined atmosphere, sure to impress and delight guests and visitors to Mackinac Island for decades.


社区环境

Food Hall & Entertainment

Designed to be a curated culinary and social gathering brand—MG2 programmed and designed this 40,000 SF experience to include a variety of food, beverage, and entertainment options. The spaces serves as a hub for the community and surrounding neighborhoods with range of fast casual to full-service dining and drinking. This flexible market and outdoor eat/play zone anchor the ground floor while the second floor extends the experience with a national entertainment venue, zone for live music, and outdoor terrace bar and dining. Pillars of local, tech integration and sustainability were used to ground this flexible venue.


社区环境

The Jockey Club

Located across the street from Grand Hotel, The Jockey Club has become a favorite amongst hotel guests, island visitors and locals of Mackinac Island. Originally built as a Snack Bar to cater The Jewel Golf Course, The Jockey Club features the only wood-fire grill on Mackinac Island and welcomes visitors to enjoy signature cocktails, and mouth-watering dishes incorporating local ingredients, all while overlooking the 9 hole of The Jewel Golf Course.

Seeking to undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion of the restaurant’s popular outdoor dining areas, The Jockey Club partnered with MG2 to enhance the dining experience for guests while preserving the historic charm of the building.

Designing a Complimentary Solution

The renovation included the replacement of weathered exterior dining tents with a striking new permeant structure. Designed to be a visual complement to the memorable architecture of the existing building, the pavilion features clean lines and simple but elegant composition. With permanently covered dining that can be enjoyed throughout the season, The Jockey Club has been enhanced with an inviting and comfortable dining experience for guests to enjoy.

Keeping Legacy Local

Designers paid close attention to the furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) used in the restoration, sourcing local, vintage FF&E from around Mackinac Island to create a unified and community-centric space that could accommodate more guests. The result is a warm and inviting dining area, enshrouded in island history, that perfectly complements the legacy architecture of the building and the nearby, Grand Hotel.

Uncompromised Accessibility

Finally, to ensure The Jockey Club is fully accessible to all visitors, the team incorporated ADA accessibility features into its environment. This included ramps and lifts to enable easy access to the clubhouse and the addition of two exterior-accessible restrooms that meet ADA requirements.

With its stunning new design elements and ADA upgrades, The Jockey Club’s revitalization has enhanced this iconic destination’s environment while preserving its original building’s historic charm, making it a must-visit experience for locals and tourists alike.


消费者体验

Catch’N Ice Cream

Bringing the brand of an iconic influencer to life

Since his humble beginnings as a Cold Stone Creamery scooper in Michigan, Dylan Lemay always dreamed of taking his love and passion for ice cream to new heights. The young entrepreneur spent years honing his craft, building his personal brand, and creating unique, first-person social videos that put ice cream fans in the spotlight.

Today, as TikTok’s number one food & beverage content creator, Dylan regularly entertains over 15 million followers across numerous digital platforms with his ice cream “throwing” antics. When the influencer was ready to establish a brick-and-mortar venture, he partnered with MG2/The Lionesque Group to bring his brand and vision to life.

Catch’N Ice Cream is an innovative, interactive ice cream shop experience in the NoHo neighborhood of New York City. Like neighboring retailers on its strategically chosen block of Bleecker Street, Catch’N is a contemporary brand that offers visitors an engaging yet timeless approach to a classic experience, one that is inherently Dylan Lemay.

The store’s design language is crisp, clean, and modern, with angular details that draw guests’ eyes to the culinary performance at its center. Hand-selected from dozens of options, the venue itself is a traditional podium retail space in the historic Bayard-Condict Building: the only structure in NYC by the great modernist architect Louis Sullivan. This unique setting creates a backdrop of familiarity and neighborhood context that juxtaposes the trendy elements specific to the Catch’N brand.

In order to fundamentally capture Dylan’s style and personality, every element for Catch’N was custom-designed, from the logo and style guide, to merchandise, fixtures, counters, and wallcoverings. Curated with intent, Catch’N’s color palette boldly diverts from the industry’s traditional, frequently used shades while still befitting that of an ice cream company.

The Catch’N experience centers around a huge cold slab counter where staff chop, fold, and throw ice cream to customers, replicating the influencer’s signature style. The user journey, both kinetic and sensory in nature, puts each patron in the spotlight, just like Dylan’s digital brand and video creations. 

As guests wait their turn, they’re awarded ample sightlines to the cold slab experience and the ability to explore the full line-up of ice cream-themed merchandise. Technological touches such as digital menus and projection mapping infuse humor and keep in-store content fresh, rounding off a stylish, engaging experience created by—and for—the next generation.

“Catch’N is born 50% from social media and 50% from the culinary ice cream world,” explains Peter Stocker, Principal at MG2 and design lead on the new ice cream brand, “The design and customer experiences in the space reflect that duality.”

“What’s been so exciting about working with Dylan and his team to create this unique culinary experience is the incredible growth we’re seeing in the ‘creator as a brand’ trend,” adds Melissa Gonzalez, Principal at MG2 and Founder of The Lionesque Group, an MG2 studio. “The opportunity to partner with such a dynamic innovator with a steadfast entrepreneurial mindset, and be that counterpart in helping him find the perfect space, bring the design to life, and mold the brand voice—it’s been a rewarding experience for all involved.”


消费者体验

LouLou Market & Bar

Expanding the legacy and brand of a culinary legend

Upon his semi-retirement, Thierry Rautureau, better known to many as the award-winning Chef in the Hat, was ready to embark on a new culinary endeavor. He sought to expand his brand beyond traditional fine dining into a more approachable but still sophisticated experience that would appeal to a wider audience.

Rautureau collaborated with MG2 and SSP America to design and develop LouLou Market & Bar: a French-meets-Pacific Northwest restaurant in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The restaurant weaves together the chef’s passion for cooking, a lifetime of culinary accomplishments, and rich personal history.

Every aspect of LouLou’s environment and branding was chosen to reflect the Chef’s vision, the legacy of his brand, and his lifelong journey.

The familiar wood tones and neutral colors of its nearby terminal neighbors are delicately interrupted by a dark blue and white color palette. It’s a strategic motif that distinguishes itself while also creating a welcoming respite in the chaotic gate environment.

Custom wall coverings surround visitors—hand-illustrated to pay homage to Rautureau’s childhood dog—gracing the walls alongside a refined logo, signage, and greenery-adorned shelving. Elegant yet hearty Parisian fixtures, furnishings, and operational elements such as rattan seating and bespoke brass beer taps combine to create a warm market atmosphere. Menus, plating, and presentations artfully blend French and Pacific Northwest culinary traditions.

“We wanted to make sure it lived up to the Chef’s reputation,” explains Peter Stocker, Principal and LouLou’s design and branding lead. “It was a powerful collaboration in which we pooled ideas and talents to achieve a genuine design vision. I believe we were successful in honoring his legacy, brand, and personal history — the end result is authentically and aesthetically him.”



消费者体验

VYNE Washington Tasting Room

VYNE-Washington-Tasting-Room-SeaTac-Airport-2

Expanding the legacy and brand of a culinary legend

When SSP America sought to replace an existing food and beverage venue in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a cutting-edge, interactive experience, they partnered with MG2 to create VYNE: a technology-driven wine bar and tasting room.

Born from the goal of showcasing a diverse selection of Washington wineries to travelers from around the globe, VYNE’s interactive pour-it-yourself wine journey offers upscale yet laid-back ambiance in an industrial-modern environment, creating a destination-worthy reprieve from the bustle of SeaTac’s central terminal.

Every aspect of LouLou’s environment and branding was chosen to reflect the Chef’s vision, the legacy of his brand, and his lifelong journey.

Tackling everything from logo development to architecture scope, all the way through construction in a challenging footprint located directly above baggage claim, the teams worked closely together to deliver a final product that is as interactive and educational as it is inviting and enticing.

In 2022, with an above-and-beyond design demonstrating an innovative approach and effective partnership between the airport, its passengers, and the larger Washington community, VYNE was awarded the “Best New Food and Beverage” full-service concept by the Airports Council International – North America.


观点

How A Suburban Seattle Strip Mall Is Being Transformed Into A Healthy Community

3 月 2022 / By How A Suburban Seattle Strip Mall Is Being Transformed Into A Healthy Community

This article was produced for and originally published by Bisnow.

__________

There’s a growing movement to change the way American communities are designed that places a greater focus on the well-being of residents. At the heart of these new communities is one thing: accessibility. 

Sometimes called the 15-minute city, the design goal for these neighborhoods is to have all the necessities a person could need — from groceries to medical attention — within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. According to a 2019 report titled Foot Traffic Ahead from Smart Growth America, these types of walkable developments lead to improved social mobility, economic growth, and several other factors in residents’ lives. 

The team at Seattle-based architecture, design, strategy, and branding firm MG2 believes strongly in the potential of walkable developments, which is why they are focused on designing what they call healthy communities

“Our focus goes beyond the traditional ‘live-work-play’ tenets of mixed-use developments,” MG2 principal 本吉斯 said. “We also take into account what we feel are the vital principles of ‘nourish, move and learn.’ We’re combining all of our expertise in designing everything from grocery stores to healthcare clinics to create one cohesive, walkable, healthy community.”

Gist said that for MG2, some of the key components of a healthy community include easy access to grocery stores, daycare centers, office space, healthcare facilities, parks, and mixed-income housing. The firm has spent the last few years focusing on how to take its architects’ varied experience in designing a variety of retail spaces and pivoting that toward transforming underused retail sites — like malls — into dynamic neighborhoods. 

One of its most recent projects is located in Kirkland, Washington, a suburb east of Seattle. Here, MG2 and its partner Madison Development Group have taken the site of a former strip mall and are redesigning it into a 1.35M SF development called 玫瑰山. This new community, located right off the 405, will feature four mixed-use apartment/retail buildings. Each is designed with a different demographic in mind, radiating its own personality inside and out while still speaking the same design language. 

Along with just over 800 apartment units, these buildings will feature retail components including a healthcare facility and a daycare center. There will also be workspaces, an outdoor party deck, and several other amenities open to all residents. 

“We’ve distributed the amenities throughout the project, enticing residents to explore and get to know buildings beyond their own,” Gist said. “We’re trying to encourage a sense of community, curiosity, and movement throughout the site.”

On-premise, residents will find a 40K SF full-service grocery store, as well as a Costco just across from the site. This is especially appropriate since MG2 has designed hundreds of Costcos across the globe. Further setting the stage for the walkable community, Google finalized a purchase agreement for the nearby Lee Johnson car dealership in November, with plans to use the site to expand its Seattle footprint with new physical offices.

Gist said that up until this point, most American communities were designed with vehicles in mind. In contrast, Rose Hill is focused on creating accessible, well-lit, and artfully landscaped pedestrian walkways that make it easy for residents to walk to any building in the development. Even the main parking garage features plants and natural lighting through skylight-esque openings as it leads residents and visitors directly into the grocery store entrance.

Construction on the development is expected to begin this spring. 

玫瑰山 isn’t just for the people who will live within a 15-minute walk from its buildings,” Gist said. MG2 envisions that it will be a hub for the entire Kirkland community, which at this time mostly comprises strip malls, parking lots, low-rise buildings, and single-family neighborhoods. 

He added that the nature of retail is changing, shifting the formula for malls across America. Traditional anchors with smaller shops in between no longer address consumers’ current needs, and have accelerated mall closures across the country. 

“This is why we’re taking a new approach to retail development, starting with asking the question ‘How can retail encompass a community, not just retail opportunities?’” he said. “This effectively shifts us from developing ‘places to shop’ to designing sought-after destinations that feel like home.”

Reach out to Ben Gist to learn more about 玫瑰山 & the team behind the healthy community design.