Cristalla finds a balance between a glassy, modern high rise and an ornate, highly detailed historic building. The original terra cotta facades of the Crystal Pool Natatorium – a glass-domed saltwater bath house designed by renowned theatre architect Marcus Priteca – were identified as a cherished icon by the Belltown community who clamored to have them restored. Honoring this history and neighborhood context were two key driving forces in Cristalla’s design.
Our designers created a definitive backdrop to the heritage facades, using a stepped, layered palette of Italian limestone and champagne aluminum panels, in concert with a cascading composition of blue glass, evoking flowing water and reflecting the site’s original use. The Natatorium’s original dome – demolished in the 1960s – is replicated above the entrance with a steel pergola that unifies the two remaining terra cotta facades.
When constructed in 2005, Cristalla was the first high rise residential building built in Seattle in 13 years. It represented a kind of luxury living the city lacked, and apparently demanded. Over 100 sales were made in the first two weeks of the sales center opening.
Learn more about the Interior Design for this project.
2006 Multifamily Executive Merit Award
2006 Masonry Institute of Washington Award of Commendation