The Ayer

Inspired by tectonics and situated in a dynamic neighborhood, The Ayer is a gleaming residence right in the heart of Denny Triangle. Together, The Ayer and its neighbor The Ivey on Boren are designed to bolster Cornish College of the Arts while providing an unparalleled luxury experience for building tenants.

Client Name

Holland Partner Group

Location

Seattle, WA

Services

Architecture
Landscape Architecture

Program Overview

575,380 GSF
45 Stories
454 Units
359,412 SF Residential
1,138 SF Retail
245 parking stalls

Completion Date

2023

Contacts

Amanda Keating
Principal in Charge

Rachael Meyer 
Landscape Principal

photography by moris moreno
full building photo of the ayer at nighttime with the city lights in downtown seattle

Beauty in the breakdown

The design was inspired by natural tectonics found in the Pacific Northwest, where entire blocks have been sheered and fractured to give the tower visual energy. Geometric patterning within the façade fortifies this concept. The seams of the tower contrast its reflective glass shell, revealing the pure, unweathered interior of the project like you might find in natural stone formations.

photo of the streetlevel porch at the ayer in downtown seattle

Not your traditional porch

At grade, an urban reinterpretation of the porch was created to foster communal connectivity and activation. The Ayer is set far back from the street, thus creating its own porch experience. Offering respite from the rain and sun, this community space paired with a local cafe encourages interaction amongst the residents and between passersby.

The Ayer Landscape Architecture

Located on a garden street with an expansive front porch, The Ayer is a retreat for urban dwellers looking to reconnect with nature.

photo of the trees at street level of the ayer in downtown seattle

Forest forward

The Ayer’s materials draw on the earthiness of the Pacific Northwest’s native forests – dark, deep green tones and copper accents permeate the color palette. Curved linear benches create a ‘pocket park’ featuring a refined selection of natural stone, wood, precast concrete, and polished bronze accents.

drone photo of the rooftop of the ayer on a sunny day with people sitting on the patio

A year-round rooftop

Rooftop amenities are surrounded by custom-built walls clad in natural stone. These walls continue the forest-inspired materials palette from below while also providing a protective buffer against the elements, increasing comfort for residents and their guests.

drone photo of the rooftop of the ayer with the space needle and seattle skyline in the background

Lounge areas at all scales

The Ayer features a robust mix of intimate spaces and large lounge areas, where groups of various sizes can gather to celebrate, watch games or movies, and more.

The Ayer in the News

Holland opens 45-story Ayer, with 430 Denny Triangle units
Daily Journal of Commerce
February 8, 2024

Work continues on 45-story Seattle tower
Daily Journal of Commerce
May 4, 2021

NASH, Holland pay Cornish $22M for high-rise site in Denny Triangle
Daily Journal of Commerce
April 5, 2019

Holland buying more of key block from Cornish
Daily Journal of Commerce
February 26, 2018

Related Content

Related Projects