Kaye rises in Seattle: How Skanska brought this landmark multi-family tower to life

Constructed and developed by Skanska, Kaye features 324 units, including 10 larger three-bedroom family or shared living units. With 6,100 square feet of airy and open neighborhood ground floor “living room” and café space, ample tenant coworking areas with private study rooms, family outdoor recreation space, and multiple rooftop decks and lounges, “Kaye is truly a ‘place making’ project in the Seattle market, bringing a European boutique atmosphere to the local community,” says Mark Howell, senior vice president – account manager.

Kaye sits on the same site once occupied by Studio X and Bad Animals, two recording studios where many local and influential musical acts recorded chart-topping albums. Skanska is celebrating the site’s musical past through the inclusion of artwork and media about the artists who recorded there in its ground-level living room. 

Kaye’s tenant amenities create space for connection, relaxation and productivity. Some amenities include building-wide WiFi, a spacious co-working lounge, a reading nook with listening corner featuring records and a curated collection of literature and artwork, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

Each residence at Kaye is designed with high-quality materials and custom details that create a seamless, elevated living experience. Units feature timber built-in bookshelves, integrated oak dining tables with porcelain tabletops, panelized appliances that offer a streamlined look from kitchen to living space, in-unit washer and dryer, expansive walk-in closets, and custom built-in storage solutions. Select units include sun nooks that float over the city, offering panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline.

Bringing Kaye to life was an incredible accomplishment. Situated in a vibrant urban environment and adjacent to another active construction project, the project demanded creativity, coordination and collaboration. With limited space for lay-down area, our teams turned this challenge into an opportunity to showcase exceptional planning and coordination. Weekly meetings kept everyone aligned, ensuring seamless progress and a successful ooutcome that reflects the strength of our partnerships and commitment to excellence.

“The project was a mid-block site in downtown Seattle, making the logistics incredibly challenging. We coordinated closely with the two adjoining neighbors, building Kaye directly next to their property line. In addition, we negotiated a daily lane closure on 4th Avenue with SDOT, during the non-peak traffic window to allow materials to move in and out of the project,” recalls Mark.

Teamwork proved essential to the success of this project.

“We had an amazing team that saw every challenge as an opportunity. The collaboration was incredible—everyone’s goal was ‘project first,’” says Mark.

“Kaye is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise and collaboration come together and was a true representation of the Skanska value that we are better together. This project challenged us in all the right ways and brought out the best in our team and partners. The result is a vibrant community space that reflects the spirit of Belltown and the creativity of everyone involved,” says Alison Crowley, director, Skanska USA Commercial Development.