A Landmark Development: West Canal Yards brings new energy to Seattle’s waterfront
SEATTLE (February 27, 2025) – West Canal Yards, Seattle’s new landmark waterfront development, is now open. The transformative development is designed to offer move-in-ready suites and community-focused amenities and cater to a wide variety of uses, such as showrooms, tasting rooms, consumer industrial purposes, maker spaces or ancillary offices and flexible workspaces. These spaces are ideal for diverse kinds of businesses, such as research and development firms, technology companies, prototyping, retail establishments, breweries or art galleries.
Situated at 1100-1120 W. Ewing Street, in the heart of the city’s historic marine district, West Canal Yards aims to revitalize the Ship Canal, give the waterfront back to the community and bring new life to this part of Queen Anne and nearby neighborhoods. Designed by Graham Baba Architects, the 334,000-square-foot site includes two main buildings: 1100 (732,565 square feet) and 1120 (48,526 square feet).
The design blends historic industrial elements with modern details, such as abundant natural light, high ceilings, large windows and roll-up doors, to create an open, inviting atmosphere.
Amenities include outdoor gathering areas with contemporary landscaping, open spaces to draw pedestrians off the bike path and down to the water, a communal kitchen and lounge. The project is in the process of welcoming its newest tenants, joining, OBI Seafoods, Frankie4 Lane Williams Architects, Mangolnk and Traver Gallery. The mix of tenants reflects the diverse uses West Canal Yards was designed to support, from industrial and maritime businesses to creative and retail spaces.
“West Canal Yards provides an inspiring setting that bridges industry and artistry,” said Sarah Traver, owner of Traver Gallery. “The integration of creative and commercial spaces makes this a vibrant place for artists and makers to welcome and engage with the broader Seattle community.”
“West Canal Yards is where Seattleites will be able to work and play alongside the city’s working waterways, honoring the industrial nature of the site while creating a modern, vibrant environment for everyone,” said Howard Klein, part owner of West Canal Yards and one of the visionaries behind the project. “We are dedicated to transforming the area into a destination that connects communities and celebrates Seattle’s industrious waterfront history.”
Klein’s connection to Seattle’s fishing and maritime community dates back to the early 1970s as one of the owners of Ocean Beauty Seafoods, which previously occupied the site. The successor company, OBI Seafoods, maintains corporate offices at the new development. Ocean Beauty has relocated its operations throughout the greater Seattle area.
Klein’s first experience transforming a fish factory into an innovative new space was in the early 80’s when he converted a smoked fish factory east of downtown Los Angeles into the Factory Place Artist Complex, featuring artist lofts, restaurants and
creative commercial establishments. This development was instrumental in establishing the Los Angeles Arts District.
In 2019, Klein partnered with Unico Properties LLC to bring their shared vision for West Canal Yards to life. Unico has managed the development of West Canal Yards, and is also the property manager, overseeing tenant coordination and the integration of modern amenities, with a focus on sustainability and tenant experience.
“West Canal Yards represents the best of what Unico strives for: transforming spaces into destinations where businesses can thrive and communities can connect,” said Brian Pearce, executive vice president of real estate services at Unico. “We’re honored to play a role in shaping Seattle’s next great waterfront experience.”
To learn more about West Canal Yards, including leasing opportunities, visit westcanalyards.com.