Seattle Union Gospel Mission Othello Women’s Shelter

A SAFE HAVEN

TRANSFORMING SPACE TO TRANSFORM LIVES

• ROLE:

  [Design Architect]

• LOCATION:

  [Seattle, Washington]

• CLIENT:

  [Seattle Union Gospel Mission]

• SIZE:

  [6,500 GSF]

• LINKS:

  [Seattle Union Gospel Mission]

The Othello Women's Shelter represents the adaptive reuse of a former school and childcare facility into a vital 106-bed emergency shelter serving women and children in Seattle's Othello neighborhood. This $1.3 million transformation creates 6,500 square feet of dignified shelter space with 30 beds and dedicated day room facilities, providing short-term housing assistance approximately 25 minutes south of downtown Seattle. The Seattle Union Gospel Mission ownership team drew extensively from their experience operating other shelters to guide the design vision, ensuring the renovated space effectively serves families in crisis while creating an environment that promotes safety, privacy, and hope during difficult transitions.

Creating safe haven through thoughtful adaptive reuse that honors dignity and builds community.

• Adaptive reuse of former school and childcare building preserving neighborhood character

• 106-bed capacity with 30 beds specifically designed for women and children's emergency housing needs

• Dedicated day room facilities providing communal space for meals, activities, and support services

• Strategic Othello neighborhood location offering accessible emergency shelter services in South Seattle

• Design informed by Seattle Union Gospel Mission's extensive shelter operation experience

• 6,500 sf renovation optimizing space efficiency while maintaining residential comfort and privacy

• Emergency housing model providing crucial short-term assistance for families in crisis

• Community-responsive design supporting both immediate shelter needs and longer-term stability goals

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