Hilite

Hilite Apartments is a distinctive tri-tower, mixed-use development located in Seattle’s Central District, nestled between Judkins Park and Yesler Terrace. The project includes 206 residential units, two ground-floor retail spaces, and below-grade parking.

The design of Hilite incorporates several striking architectural features – most notably, brightly colored suspended steel bridges that connect the three towers and serve as a signature visual element of the complex. The rooftop deck offers panoramic views of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and the Seattle skyline. Inside, the lobby welcomes visitors with a communal gathering space and a grand stairway featuring oak stadium-style bench seating.

W.G. Clark collaborated with the project’s ownership, design team, artists, and subcontractors to build the suspended steel art bridges. As the project's defining exterior element, the bridge required on-site solutions that balanced visual impact with cost-efficiency. Using 3D modeling and precise as-built measurements, W.G. Clark carefully coordinated the structural connections and waterproofing interfaces between the towers’ wood framing and the steel spanning between the buildings.

The beams were installed in a dynamic zig-zag pattern, creating unique angles between the buildings and forming the structural frame for custom art panels. To accommodate potential building movement, slotted knife blade connections were incorporated. Working from framework dimensions provided by W.G. Clark, a local Seattle artist prefabricated steel panels in custom sizes. These panels, along with all other steel elements, were prefinished in a marine-grade coating in the standout “Funky Yellow” colorway. Prefabrication and prefinishing enabled smooth installation and minimized the need for temporary custom work platforms.

W.G. Clark also successfully navigated several challenges related to right-of-way improvements along Rainier Avenue. Existing tree roots, telecom vaults, and underground duct bank locations conflicted with the planned installation of new trolley line strain poles and street lighting. In response, W.G. Clark worked in close partnership with SDOT, King County Metro, Seattle City Light, and consulting arborists to develop a solution that used a custom footing design to avoid the duct bank, preserving the project timeline and minimizing community disruption. Through proactive coordination, innovative problem-solving, and attention to detail, W.G. Clark delivered a project that blends urban living with iconic design.