The Hemlock

The Hemlock is located in the heart of North Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. This mixed-use, multi-family complex includes 297 apartment units, 209 parking stalls, and 12,000 SF of retail space. The Hemlock features various amenities including a game room, communal laundry station, fitness center, co-work rooms, event and meeting spaces, dog wash and dog run, bike locker, and a rooftop deck.

The Hemlock’s landscaping references Greenwood’s history as a bog, with boardwalks floating between deep bioretention planters. The project features salvaged tree grates and extensive mural art reflecting the Greenwood community.

Categorized as a Category 1 ECA, the western portion of The Hemlock was required to be supported on deep foundations to mitigate settlement. Below-slab drainage was not allowed, so the structure was designed with a gravel drainage layer below the slab on grade (eastern portion) and structural slab on grade (western portion) to convey and infiltrate water across the site. Additionally, W.G. Clark was not allowed to discharge groundwater offsite, in order to maintain the existing groundwater level. Instead, our team pumped an estimated 3 million gallons of groundwater from one side of the site to the other, recharging it back into the soil.

In light of these challenges, W.G. Clark was able to accelerate completion of The Hemlock’s west tower and achieve occupancy for 76 units three months ahead of the adjusted contract schedule.