360modern is a community of modernists including architects, Modern furniture and art experts, non-profits, state historical organizations, county historical groups, and contractors. Today, we’re continuing our showcase of the people and businesses that make up the Seattle Modern community.
We had the chance to ask Bryce Phillips, Founder/CEO of evo, an action sports and outdoor lifestyle retailer based here in Seattle, Wa., and also partner at evolution Projects, a few questions about evolution Projects’ The Pass Life, A Snoqualimie Pass Community:
Briefly introduce evolution Projects, and what led to its inception?
evolution Projects origins date back to remodeling single family homes long before our commercial projects existed. One thing led to another and we found over time that our passion was creating places where communities would thrive. In the city, we’ve focused primarily on adaptive reuse projects. The Kolstrand Building in Ballard where The Walrus and Carpenter and Staple and Fancy are and then The Fremont Collective, home to evo, All Together Skatepark, Joule and The Whale Wins are primary examples. Our first foray into new construction and building in the mountains has been The Pass Life and we are really excited about similar prospects in the future.
Can you describe the project approach towards The Pass Life?
The Pass Life is all about community and year-round outdoor recreation with a focus on beautiful design. With all of the recreation and very close proximity to Seattle, we knew that first and foremost, there needed to be a place where people could come together. We opened an amazing restaurant, The Commonwealth, and built the commercial building where DruBru craft brewery and the Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum are now thriving.
We also master-planned the 5-acre site and to include multiple phases of Northwest-modern, residential lofts. We built 24 lofts in phase 1 and 2 and have just released 6 lofts (4 left) in phase 3. Capturing the huge views, designing inspiring spaces and laying out the homes so that our owners can easily connect with the community were all central pillars to our approach.
How did modern design and architecture shape this project?
We really look to strike the balance of modern design and warm, mountain appropriate materials and finishes. Big windows with shed roofs, two-way fireplaces, tongue and groove pine ceilings, efficient, radiant heat and extremely inviting and functional spaces make the lofts what they are. We worked with Ray Johnston of Johnston Architects given their Northwest roots and modern body of work.
What was the intent and goal upon project completion?
As noted above, our goal was always to create a center for the community, a place for people with shared passions to come together. Whether it be heading into The Commonwealth after a day in the mountains with friends, having a quick, release-valve from the city in one of our lofts or swinging into the brewery with fellow Snoqualmie Pass residents, The Pass Life is meant to create a compelling place for people to spend time together.
What makes The Pass Life unique? What is most satisfying in regards to the achievement of this project?
These are the only lofts of their kind and definitely the only opportunity like this in Washington State. It’s even better that they are so easily accessible, only 45 minutes from Seatttle. Year-round recreation for all ability levels from hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, fishing etc is right out of the front door. To be able to enjoy all of this recreation with friends and family is remarkable.
With regards to the most satisfying achievement, it’s been great to see relationships form and strengthen both in The Pass Life residential neighborhood and over a meal or drinks at The Commonwealth and DruBru.
Check out what The Pass Life is currently working on here!
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