A Historic Fire Station Reimagined for Black Innovation, Culture, and Enterprise

William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation | Seattle, WA

The William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation supports the continued strength and regeneration of Seattle’s historic Central District Black community. Located at 23rd Avenue and Yesler Street, the center transforms the former Fire Station 6 into a Black-led home for youth development, entrepreneurship, technology, arts, education, and cultural programming.

Built in 1931, the two-story Art Deco fire station is a designated City of Seattle landmark. Its transformation preserves an important neighborhood building while returning it to active community use. Through the center, Africatown Community Land Trust is creating a place where young people, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and community organizations can build skills, share resources, develop businesses, and shape the future of the Central District.

During the first phase of work, Environmental Works remodeled 4,220 square feet of the former fire station to include an updated kitchen, meeting rooms, co-working spaces, computer rooms, and administrative offices. Exterior improvements included new signage, lighting upgrades, and repainting of the historic front façade. Environmental Works coordinated with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Landmarks Preservation Board to complete the required landmark reviews and approvals while respecting the building’s historic character.

Phase II is now underway and will complete the build-out of the William Grose Center, adding more offices and program space to support ACLT’s growing range of community services and activities.

Client
Africatown Community Land Trust

Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design

Sustainability
Landmark Designation (City of Seattle)

Project Size
4,220 SF

Completion
Phase I: Completed August 2022
Phase II: Underway

Contractor
Quality Woodworking & Construction