SAAS Cardinal Union Building
|
Seattle, WA
- New 5-story building serves as the home for SAAS's middle school program
- Rooftop playfield and second gym maximize student activity space
- Makers space, music classroom, and student commons integrated
- Strategically connected to adjacent campus buildings
- Awarded a 2021 AIA Interior Architecture Award for design excellence
77K SF
2018
LEED Gold
Challenge
SAAS needed to consolidate its middle school program into a single facility that could support academics, athletics, arts, and student life while maximizing a constrained urban campus. The project required seamless integration with adjacent buildings, accommodation of specialized spaces including a gymnasium and rooftop playfield, and careful planning to support future campus growth. Entitlement, infrastructure, circulation, and stakeholder coordination were key factors in unlocking the full potential of the site.
Solution
We led overall planning, design, and construction management for the CUB as part of SAAS’ Rising Campaign. Our team coordinated campus planning, entitlement strategy, permitting, contractor selection, budgeting, scheduling, and project delivery to align the new facility with the school’s long-term growth objectives. Design and construction efforts focused on integrating classrooms, specialty learning spaces, athletics, and student commons within a cohesive campus experience, while careful coordination of utilities, circulation, accessibility, and future building connections established a framework for continued campus development.
Outcome & Impact
The completed CUB allows SAAS to bring middle school programs previously spread across rented neighborhood spaces back onto a unified campus. Academic, athletic, and student life functions are now integrated within a modern facility designed for collaboration and flexibility. New recreation and gathering spaces enhance the daily student experience while strengthening campus connectivity. Our client received a long-term academic and community asset positioned to support future campus expansion.
Project Partners
LMN
Architect
GLY
General Contractor
Our Work
Explore our Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences (SAAS) Projects
See how we support complex, large-scale initiatives through disciplined planning and execution.
View Work"Seneca Group has been supporting us through multiple projcts spanning more than 20 years. Their guidance, expertise and support have been critical to our ability to fully devleop our urban campus. They are a trusted partner and have helped us translate our vision for SAAS into reality."
Rob Phillips - Co-Head of School - SAAS
News
Similar Projects
We help schools transform existing facilities into modern learning environments that support evolving educational priorities and future growth.
Sectors
From corporate to cultural, our cross-sector expertise drives results where it matters most.
Learn how our experience can support your next project.










