In the heart of Seattle’s Yesler Terrace, a vibrant new residential project named TAPESTRY emerges as a testament to community, diversity, and local artistry. Spearheaded by Seattle-based real estate development firm One Trent, this seven-story, 268-unit building not only offers a mix of affordable and market-rate housing but also serves as a canvas for celebrating the multicultural heritage of the Central Area. The unveiling of TAPESTRY’s public arts program underscores a commitment to integrating the rich tapestry of local culture and history into the fabric of modern living spaces.
Art and Community Interwoven:
At the crossroads of ethnic, cultural, and religious enclaves, the TAPESTRY building stands on the historic grounds of the Seattle Curtain Manufacturing Company. This location’s storied past lays the groundwork for a project deeply immersed in local art, aiming to forge a living community where every resident feels at home. With art curator Bill Gaylord at the helm, the initiative to meld art with architecture has brought forth a collection of artworks that illuminate the neighborhood’s multicultural history through the lenses of ten local artists and collectives.
“Historically-located on the former site of the Seattle Curtain Manufacturing Company, TAPESTRY has long been at the intersection of ethnic, cultural and religious enclaves,” said One Trent’s Principal Patrick Ashman in a statement. “Because of this, our vision here was to create a diverse apartment community immersed in local art.”
A Mosaic of Stories and Inspirations:
The selection of artists for TAPESTRY’s public arts program was a meticulous process, involving over 55 local creatives and community representatives. The chosen artworks span a diverse range of media, from murals and quilts to sculptures and prints, each telling a unique story of the Central Area’s past and present.
- Jite Agbro’s mural pays homage to influential Seattle artists Adé Cônnére and Riz Rollins, weaving their likenesses into the urban landscape with vibrant acrylic and aerosol.
- Romson Regarde Bustillo celebrates remarkable women of the Central Area through mixed-media monoprints, honoring figures such as Kikisoblu and Aki Kurose.
- Lisa Myers Bulmash’s assemblage sculpture, crafted from materials of the Seattle Curtain Building, represents the shared aspirations of Seattle’s diverse communities.
- Jonathan Clarren and June Sekiguchi offer tributes to historical figures and cultural patterns, blending industrial materials with the narratives of the Central District’s inhabitants.
- Marita Dingus and Lawrence Pitre explore themes of joy, unity, and urban renewal, presenting visual stories of community strength and resilience.
- Jeffrey Veregge‘s sculptures at the building’s corner serve as a daily reminder of hope and renewal, beautifully capturing the essence of new beginnings.
- The Pacific Northwest African American Quilters Guild weaves the history of the Central Area’s diverse communities into a quilt, encapsulating centuries of stories and cultural legacies.
- Juan Alonso-Rodriguez‘s work encapsulates the building in a conceptual embrace, honoring the rich diversity of the Central District.
Building a Future on Cultural Foundations:
Beyond its artistic ambitions, TAPESTRY offers modern amenities and sustainable living options, from solar-powered energy to dedicated EV charging stalls. The inclusion of 54 affordable housing units addresses the pressing need for accessible living spaces in Seattle, making the project a beacon of inclusivity and forward-thinking design.
TAPESTRY at Yesler Terrace stands as a bold declaration of One Trent’s vision for community-focused development, where the richness of local culture and the promise of sustainable living converge. Through its public arts program, TAPESTRY weaves together the threads of history, community, and creativity into a vibrant mosaic, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the enduring spirit of Seattle’s Central Area. It offers a place to call home and a testament to the power of art in shaping inclusive, dynamic communities.
Images courtesy of One Trent with exclusive permission to use accompanying this story.
