Saffron
Sammamish, WA
Located at the heart of the newly incorporated town of Sammamish, Saffron provides a pedestrian-oriented, urban center aimed at removing suburbanites from their cars. Ninety-nine apartments and a 50,000 sf mix of lively shops, restaurants, cafes, and services surround a private plaza open to the public. Saffron received a Commendation Award from the AIA/Seattle Honors Award program in 2000 and was featured in the 2000 AIA/Seattle and the Seattle Times “Housing the Northwest” tour.
“Putting the urban in suburban: Imaginative mixed-use developments aren’t just for cities anymore”
~ Mark Hinshaw, Special, The Seattle Times
“With spare means, the architects have made a fresh approach to the typology of retail/residential mixing, integrating uses and promoting an urban lifestyle. We want to encourage this kind of work.”
~ Jury member comment, in awarding Bumgardner an Award of Commendation for Saffron at the 2000 Seattle AIA Honor of Awards
“Here is a development in the hinterlands that-finally-reflects the importance of creating a ‘public realm’. There are generous sidewalks lined with shop fronts and covered with metal and glass canopies. Signs are scaled to walkers. A small plaza is anchored by an inviting water fountain. Most pleasant days find people strolling out, meeting friends and lounging in chairs.”
~ Mark Hinshaw, AIA, director of Urban Design at LMN architects
