Kirkland Heights                                             

Kirkland Heights was a 1970’s housing development in need of a major upgrade. Twenty-four existing, almost identical residential buildings made wayfinding difficult and there was a lack of landscaping and trees that could provide shade during the hot summers. Nakano Associates in collaboration with King County Housing Authority and SMR Architects reimagined the outdoor spaces, planting over 100 trees and differentiating areas of housing using different plant groupings that give each cluster of housing a more distinct identity.

New community gardens, playgrounds and a renovated basketball court bring vibrancy to previously underused spaces and provide activities for people of all ages. The redevelopment also includes 2 new apartment buildings, each with a welcoming courtyard and inviting, lush landscaping.