Refreshing an Award-Winning Project

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh

Recognized in 2014 as NAIOP’s Residential Development of the Year, ”The Joe” was ready for an on-brand refresh.

Named after Seattle physician and environmental advocate Joseph Arnold Schuster, Joseph Arnold Lofts — or The Joe — was designed to represent the community of Seattle and redefine apartment life.

With a strong legacy, central location, and sweeping Puget Sound views, the building had great bones. But a strong foundation doesn’t mean improvements can’t be made, or that cosmetic upgrades aren’t necessary over time. Thrive Communities wanted to re-tell the story of The Joe through thoughtful design revitalizations to elevate the brand, breathe new life into the property, and take full advantage of its prime Seattle location.

In honor of its namesake, an avid outdoorsman and lover of the Pacific Northwest, The Joe grounds itself in natural materials amplified by architectural detailing. The goal was to refresh the common spaces and amenities to balance loft-living with the natural world, drawing residents and guests into the newly updated spaces.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Calming Colors

Burnt oranges, cloudy blues, and wooden hues blend together, offset by the clean white walls and tropical house plants, bringing the essence of nature to The Joe. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Calming Colors

Burnt oranges, cloudy blues, and wooden hues blend together, offset by the clean white walls and tropical house plants, bringing the essence of nature to The Joe. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Cozy Welcome

Residents are greeted by a lounge that feels cozy and refined while offering them a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Cozy Welcome

Residents are greeted by a lounge that feels cozy and refined while offering them a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Leasing New Looks

The leasing offices boast a clean, contemporary new look using polished wood and a large, open concept layout, anchored by a custom art piece commissioned for the project. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Leasing New Looks

The leasing offices boast a clean, contemporary new look using polished wood and a large, open concept layout, anchored by a custom art piece commissioned for the project. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Mixed Materials

The new lobby lounge area uses wood, stone, leather, and metal to bring a luxurious yet earthen feel to the space. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Mixed Materials

The new lobby lounge area uses wood, stone, leather, and metal to bring a luxurious yet earthen feel to the space. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
A Kitchen with Character

A suspended wooden ceiling paired with the rock-like tile flooring helps define the amenity kitchen’s distinct space. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

A Kitchen with Character

A suspended wooden ceiling paired with the rock-like tile flooring helps define the amenity kitchen’s distinct space. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Take a Load Off

The common areas offer residents and guests plenty of places to sit and focus while surrounded by calming colors and natural light. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Take a Load Off

The common areas offer residents and guests plenty of places to sit and focus while surrounded by calming colors and natural light. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Framing Fun

A framed backsplash featuring circular statement lights brings a pop of retro fun to the common areas, attracting the eye and creating moments of interest. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Framing Fun

A framed backsplash featuring circular statement lights brings a pop of retro fun to the common areas, attracting the eye and creating moments of interest. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Leather and Light

A plush leather window seat is flooded with natural light and teeming with thriving plants, bringing a natural-feeling oasis to this urban community. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Leather and Light

A plush leather window seat is flooded with natural light and teeming with thriving plants, bringing a natural-feeling oasis to this urban community. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Inspired by Earth

Deep, forest greens and pumpkin orange, along with the natural hues of wood, create a refined yet homey color palette. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Inspired by Earth

Deep, forest greens and pumpkin orange, along with the natural hues of wood, create a refined yet homey color palette. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

To tell a cohesive story throughout the complex, each finish and fixture was thoughtfully chosen to enhance the overall brand and blend “natural” with “posh.” Stone, wood, and leather – timeless finishes that bring the outside in – appear throughout the contemporary design.

The placement of light is also integral to balancing elegance with natural elements. Dramatic light features complement organic materials, bringing out their polished and refined qualities, while immediately catching the eye of guests.

The common spaces shine with luscious neutrals paired with contrasting, rich colors, such as burnt orange chairs paired with a slate blue sofa. Warm, plush seating stretches out beneath high ceilings with exposed mechanical infrastructure, begging visitors to get cozy among the lush materials below. Among the varied seating options, a built-in banquette offers café-like seating with leather-clad cushions with a backdrop of planter boxes and large windows, creating a refined haven that also feels open and bright.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Function and Flare

The amenity kitchen is fully equipped with high-quality furnishings and fixtures, like stainless steel appliances that pair well with the kitchen’s earth tones. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Function and Flare

The amenity kitchen is fully equipped with high-quality furnishings and fixtures, like stainless steel appliances that pair well with the kitchen’s earth tones. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Creating Intimacy

The lowered wood ceiling not only hides the mechanical equipment above, it creates a cozier space below more suited to conversation. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Creating Intimacy

The lowered wood ceiling not only hides the mechanical equipment above, it creates a cozier space below more suited to conversation. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Island Life

A richly-hued green island provides ample countertop to host fun, community cooking events, or a dinner party with friends. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Island Life

A richly-hued green island provides ample countertop to host fun, community cooking events, or a dinner party with friends. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

The community kitchen is flooded with a mix of natural and artificial light by floor-to-ceiling windows and modern, minimalist light fixtures suspended from the wood-accent drop ceiling. The tile floor is reminiscent of a rocky creek bed, while the marbled island and tabletops whisk guests away to the deep, brooding evergreens, and collected stones tumbled to a polish.

The gym, which was expanded to introduce new equipment, features colorful new art paired with concrete walls and wood accents, creating an environment of calm and focus.

On the amenity roof deck, a sunroom doubles as a kitchen, offering residents a flexible, year-round place to host a rooftop dinner party with a view. The outdoor seating area boasts the same elements of luxury and nature, pairing dramatic marbled stone with colorful accents, all against the backdrop of sweeping views of Puget Sound.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Getting a Lift

Concrete, wood, and tile create a lovely dynamic that is both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for a good workout. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Getting a Lift

Concrete, wood, and tile create a lovely dynamic that is both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for a good workout. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Fashionable Fitness

The gym is complete with quality equipment and new art along the walls that gives this space a character of its own. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Fashionable Fitness

The gym is complete with quality equipment and new art along the walls that gives this space a character of its own. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
A Place for Pups

This strip of turf outfitted with a faux hydrant lets furry friends take care of business without venturing out to the sidewalk below. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

A Place for Pups

This strip of turf outfitted with a faux hydrant lets furry friends take care of business without venturing out to the sidewalk below. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Eye-Catching Finishes

Updated finishes pack a punch, anchoring the space in earth tones balancing it with the expanse of sky and water beyond. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Eye-Catching Finishes

Updated finishes pack a punch, anchoring the space in earth tones balancing it with the expanse of sky and water beyond. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Space Needle Sightings

Thanks to large windows, the rooftop mixed-use sunroom enjoys a cameo appearance from the Space Needle. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Space Needle Sightings

Thanks to large windows, the rooftop mixed-use sunroom enjoys a cameo appearance from the Space Needle. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
A Room with a View

Filled with light, the rooftop dining area is a lovely place to host a dinner party overlooking the Sound. With a sunroom style enclosure, weather won’t disrupt the fun. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

A Room with a View

Filled with light, the rooftop dining area is a lovely place to host a dinner party overlooking the Sound. With a sunroom style enclosure, weather won’t disrupt the fun. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
On Top of the World

Bench seating and planter boxes bring a touch of the natural world to this urban rooftop. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

On Top of the World

Bench seating and planter boxes bring a touch of the natural world to this urban rooftop. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Best Seat in the House

A fire pit is a staple rooftop amenity that can be appreciated by everyone. Combined with cozy seating and a grand view – what's not to love? Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Best Seat in the House

A fire pit is a staple rooftop amenity that can be appreciated by everyone. Combined with cozy seating and a grand view – what's not to love? Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Fire Up the Grill

The grilling area features high-quality grills and countertops. It’s a dreamy spot to prepare a meal while admiring the city. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Fire Up the Grill

The grilling area features high-quality grills and countertops. It’s a dreamy spot to prepare a meal while admiring the city. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

The model unit is refreshed to feature the same welcoming color palette, organic materials, and high-end fixtures.

Sleek marbled countertops and stainless steel breathe a contemporary essence into the home, while dark, wood floors and earth tones stay true to The Joe’s history.

Every community has something special that deserves to be commemorated through its own, unique design. We’re pleased the updated look and feel of Joseph Arnold Lofts still captures the legacy of its namesake while allowing it to thrive in the competitive Seattle housing market.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Cozy and Colorful

The model unit is a true homage to The Joe’s legacy, featuring organic materials and natural colors that draw guests in and make them feel at home. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Cozy and Colorful

The model unit is a true homage to The Joe’s legacy, featuring organic materials and natural colors that draw guests in and make them feel at home. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Living in Style

The living area is alive with warm colors and cozy seating — the perfect spot to curl up and admire a view of the city. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Living in Style

The living area is alive with warm colors and cozy seating — the perfect spot to curl up and admire a view of the city. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Down to Earth

To bring a natural, cozier feel to the model unit, warm tones and softer materials offset the sleek, white walls, exposed mechanical equipment, and concrete ceilings. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Down to Earth

To bring a natural, cozier feel to the model unit, warm tones and softer materials offset the sleek, white walls, exposed mechanical equipment, and concrete ceilings. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Modern Kitchen

The kitchen features white, marbled countertops and stainless steel appliances for a modern look. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Modern Kitchen

The kitchen features white, marbled countertops and stainless steel appliances for a modern look. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Flawless Framing

Tucked into a framed niche, the kitchen feels like its own distinct space within the loft apartment. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Flawless Framing

Tucked into a framed niche, the kitchen feels like its own distinct space within the loft apartment. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Small Touches

The bathroom features a wood-framed mirror, plants, and pops of color to make it feel less sterile and more personable. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Small Touches

The bathroom features a wood-framed mirror, plants, and pops of color to make it feel less sterile and more personable. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Divide and Conquer

The bedroom closet functions as a partition between the living room and bedroom, giving the sleeping area a bit of privacy while also maintaining its access to natural light. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Divide and Conquer

The bedroom closet functions as a partition between the living room and bedroom, giving the sleeping area a bit of privacy while also maintaining its access to natural light. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Bedroom Oasis

Incorporating a few wooden and wicker furnishings instantly makes the model unit bedroom feel more natural and inviting — right in line with The Joe’s overall design concept. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Bedroom Oasis

Incorporating a few wooden and wicker furnishings instantly makes the model unit bedroom feel more natural and inviting — right in line with The Joe’s overall design concept. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh – Downtown Apartment Building Refresh
Storage that Separates

A closet protruding into the room increases storage space and creates the illusion of separation between spaces, creating a nook for a desk. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Storage that Separates

A closet protruding into the room increases storage space and creates the illusion of separation between spaces, creating a nook for a desk. Joseph Arnold Lofts Refresh | Photo by Cory Holland.

Notes & Credits
Photography by Cory Holland.

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Services

Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.

Portfolio

Our portfolio of work spans across a spectrum of project types and scales. We don’t have a particular “style” either: we love traditional, modern, contemporary, you name it. Our goal is to work with you to design a project you love.

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