Miller Hull

The Lake City Collective is a non-profit community organization that empowers and advocates for underserved communities in northeast Seattle. The organization fosters community, celebrates cultural identity, improves visibility of those it represents, and offers personal and business support through skill building programs. With the rapid growth of the organization, a new cultural center is needed to expand the collective’s mission and preserve this community’s presence in the area even as future generations are displaced through gentrification.  Community outreach through conversations and workshops arrived at the goal of a new cultural center that balances a welcoming expression with the need to provide a sense of security. The proposed design adapts to the users’ daily needs, through an operable facade that can become a civic focal point or recede into the urban fabric as a speakeasy. This dynamic approach empowers the community to dictate how the building interacts with the urban environment, reinforcing both agency and resilience. Beyond its immediate users, this cultural center serves as a model for community-led design in rapidly changing urban contexts. It challenges traditional architectural practices by prioritizing adaptability, inclusivity, and cultural sustainability. This project is not just about preserving a place, it’s about empowering people, ensuring their voices and histories remain integral to the city’s evolving narrative.