STARBUCKS HQ, SEATTLE

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Project Overview

The Starbucks Support Center—the company’s global headquarters—is located in the heart of Seattle’s SODO district, a historically industrial area undergoing revitalization. Reflecting Starbucks’ commitment to creating “third places” that foster connection, the entry site has been transformed into a welcoming, community-focused environment through a collaborative design led by Swift Company, the project’s landscape architects.

The redevelopment was executed in two components: a new entry porch for the recently installed Reserve Store and lobby (in collaboration with architecture firm NBBJ), and a master plan envisioning future renovations of an adjacent parking lot.

The multi-phase initiative, spearheaded by Swift Company, re-imagines a pedestrianized public right-of-way as a lively, flexible space for gathering, relaxing, and daily rituals like coffee breaks and lunch.

Supporting approximately 5,000 employees, the project establishes an inviting front porch that bridges the divide between public access and private workplace, aligning with Starbucks’ values of openness and community.

2024

2018

The Challenge

Starbucks sought to create an immersive entry experience that echoed their values while dealing with constraints typical of dense urban sites:

• Urban soil limitations caused by paved surfaces and underground infrastructure
• ADA compliance, including the integration of accessibility ramps within a tight spatial envelope
• A temporary-use zone, requiring non-permanent construction solutions in a public right-of-way
• Aesthetic and functional cohesion with the large, brick industrial facade

Stratavault soil cell system - meets Made in the USA regulations and sustainability standards

The Solution: Stratavault Soil Cells

To meet these challenges, the project team selected Stratavault—an engineered deep soil zone system designed for urban tree planting, designed to meet the needs of trees as well as engineering requirements.

1. Healthy Tree Growth in Harsh Urban Conditions
   Stratavault provides for expansive volumes of uncompacted soil, critical for establishing healthy root systems for urban trees - especially important in this industrial neighborhood where soil is limited and degraded.
2. Support for Above Ground Infrastructure
   With its high load-bearing capacity, Stratavault accommodates overlying ADA ramps, pavers, and pedestrian traffic, ensuring the site is fully accessible without compromising tree health.
3. Flexible, Modular Design
   Stratavault was able to be adapted seamlessly to the site’s unusual layout, around utilities and with other landscape elements like seat steps and tree zones.
4. Sustainable Materials
   Made from 100% recycled plastic waste, in the USA, Stratavault met all of Starbucks’ sustainability goals. This is echoed in the site furnishings, which include large-scale benches fabricated from salvaged regional wood, to provide a more tactile, eco-conscious experience.
5. Non-Permanent Construction
   The Starbucks Support Center is situated within a public right-of-way temporary use zone. This meant the design solution needed to allow for future removal without disrupting the underlying street infrastructure or parking below. Stratavault was able to meet every condition of the project, and the results have been impressive.
   

2024

Tree Selection & Site Design

The new “front porch” uses densely planted, multi-stem birch trees to deliver immediate visual and environmental impact. These trees soften the imposing brick facade, create pedestrian-scale intimacy, and offer seasonal foliage cover that invites lingering, conversation, and comfort. They also serve to screen views of the adjacent parking lot, helping define and elevate the sense of place.

Birch tree planted in Stratavault - 6 years after planting - single story height now reaches 3rd floor

Project Outcomes

Through thoughtful design and innovative infrastructure, Starbucks transformed a functional corridor into a living, breathing space that supports both people and nature. The trees are a picture of health, increasing in height by 300+%in 6 years, delivering a boulevard of trees and shade in the public right-of-way for all to enjoy.

Reduced Urban Heat and Wind Impact

The flourishing tree canopy casts essential shade over the paved surfaces, lowers ambient temperatures, and acts as a wind buffer-decreasing heat island effect and improving overall comfort for visitors in this largely industrial area.

Improved Air Quality

The impressive birch trees are enhancing air quality for employees, visitors, and the broader community, absorb CO2 and airborne pollutants while filtering particulate matter.

Enhanced Well-Being for Employees and Visitors

The green space fosters daily moments of calm and connection.

A Stronger Sense of Place and Community Identity

The transformation of a public right-of-way into a highly used and valued space embodies Starbucks’ belief in creating places to “hang out.” The site blends function and atmosphere, reinforcing the brand’s values while improving urban livability.