The first half of the 20th-century was a time of growth and dignity for downtown Yakima. Presidents Roosevelt and Taft visited the emerging agricultural center where the main street featured fountains, grand theaters, and stately, multi-story brick-and-masonry buildings. By mid-century, however, most of these structures had been demolished to make way for parking lots as businesses struggled to keep their downtown relevant and residents fled to the suburbs. 

© Lara Swimmer

Architects: Graham Baba Architects

Location: Seattle, WA, United States

Area: 4650.0 ft2

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: Lara Swimmer

Civil : RH2 Engineering
Landscape: Allworth Design

Lighting: Ohm Light

© Lara Swimmer

The first half of the 20th-century was a time of growth and dignity for downtown Yakima. Presidents Roosevelt and Taft visited the emerging agricultural center where the main street featured fountains, grand theaters, and stately, multi-story brick-and-masonry buildings. By mid-century, however, most of these structures had been demolished to make way for parking lots as businesses struggled to keep their downtown relevant and residents fled to the suburbs. 

© Lara Swimmer

A local family with long-standing ties to the agricultural heritage of the region sought to counteract this decline by combini...