SEATTLE, WA – Westbank, a global real estate development company dedicated to city building and the creation of beauty in all forms, will top off their Seattle project, First Light, on October 18. The project team celebrated the milestone with a ceremony this week on October 16.
First Light, located in Downtown Seattle at 2000 Third Avenue, is a 48-story mixed-used project. The residential includes 459 condo units, with three floors of amenities space as well as a cantilevered pool and rooftop garden. First Light is currently 80% sold and move-in for residents is anticipated in early 2024.
First Light also includes a podium with six floors of office space, street level retail space, and eight levels of underground parking.
The First Light project team includes:
- Westbank – Developer
- James KM Cheng Architects – Design Architect
- MG2 – Executive Architect
- Build Group – General Contractor
“First Light is an important piece to our long-term vision for Seattle.” Says Michael Chaplin, VP US Development. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with JKMCA, MG2 and Build Group to make this project a reality and we’re looking forward to celebrating more milestones together as we head towards completion next year.”
“First Light represents a milestone in integrated urban living in Seattle,” says James Cheng, owner and founder of James KM Cheng Architects. “Where retail, office, residential and art received equal treatment.”
“Westbank understands the value of design,” says Project Manager and MG2 Principal Elik Grin AIA, “and they assembled a team of designers, artists, and builders to push the boundaries of the built environment. Every feature and detail is part of a grand vision.”
“What stands out on this project is the way the entire team has worked together to tackle the challenges that typically occur on a complex project of this size and scope,” says Peter Read, Build Group Regional Vice President. “They would not have been nearly as successful without this cohesive approach.”
First Light is one of a trio of projects currently being added to Downtown Seattle’s skyline by Westbank, the others include Museum House at 707 Terry adjacent to the Frye Art Museum, and WB1200 at 1200 Stewart, with a Boeing 747 incorporated into the galleria.
First Light is scheduled for completion in 2024. For photos of the First Light project, please click here.
About Westbank
Westbank is a practice dedicated to the creation of inspiring environments. Established 30 years ago, Westbank is a private company that partners with likeminded global organizations to become ever more impactful, concentrating primarily on large on projects in their core cities of focus: Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, Tokyo and San Jose. As a global leader in net zero development and the co-owner of one of North America’s largest district energy providers, Westbank is committed to largescale net zero carbon initiatives. Their body of work includes residential, hotels, retail, creative workspace, district energy, affordable housing, exhibitions and public art, with over $50B of projects completed or under development. As Westbank’s practice has evolved, they have woven together an ecosystem of cultural enterprises including restaurants, gyms, spas, music venues, private members clubs, fashion, dance schools and food halls. They bring this ecosystem to life through collaborations with some of the most talented artists, architects, designers and entrepreneurs in the world. Westbank looks for every opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us – to bring people together and help build more inspiring, sustainable communities. Through these and other endeavors, Westbank’s evolution continues as they become a cultural platform for the creative city.
About James KM Cheng Architects
James K.M. Cheng Architects is a collaborative architecture & urban design practice that prides itself on creating meaningful and dynamic built environments. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the firm is recognized for its pioneering contribution to west coast architecture and city building. Founded by James Cheng in 1978, the 30-person practice has grown to specialize in a variety of scales, with a strong emphasis on the integration of Urban Design, Landscape Design, Architectural Design, and Interior Design. This ensures projects are carried out comprehensively from start to finish, and from exterior to interior.
For the past 40 years, the firm has been committed to crafting high quality and innovative designs. Their portfolio includes local and international master planning, as well as residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
About Build Group
Build Group is a general contractor, construction manager, and designer/builder focused on providing the highest level of service. Over 80% of our work is for repeat clients. At Build Group, our client relationships are driven by trust and integrity, which are the core values our company was built upon. Since 2007, we have grown to over 700 employees across California and Washington State with offices in San Francisco, the East Bay, San Jose, Venice, and Seattle. Build Group is regularly named one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies and a Best Place to Work. Our markets: Multi-Family Residential, Commercial Office, High-End Retail, Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality, Student & Senior Housing, Healthcare, Life Science, Seismic Upgrades, and Parking Garages.
ABOUT MG2
Guided by our vision to create transformative experiences that foster and elevate healthy communities, MG2 has been delivering award-winning projects and programs for over 50 years. We partner with some of the world’s most recognizable companies and brands to bring exceptional design solutions to life through full architectural, strategic planning, cost management, interior design, brand strategy, and program consulting services. Our six offices in the U.S. and China integrate building performance and social responsibility into every project. At MG2, our greatest strength lies in our people, our clients, and our commitment to helping them succeed. We are purpose-driven by nature, data-driven by design.
