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 Honor Awards program in 2000 and was featured in the 2000 AIA/Seattle and the Seattle Times “Housing the Northwest” tour.
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“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
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 AIA Seattle Honor Awards
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“Putting the urban in suburban: Imaginative mixed-use developments aren’t just for cities anymore”
Mark Hinshaw, Special
The Seattle Times