SOLD OUT – Preservation Award Series: Satterberg Foundation for the Metropole Building

Situated on a distinctive triangular lot at the corner of Yesler Way and 2nd Avenue Extension South, the Metropole Building (423 2nd Ave Ext S.) stands as one of Seattle’s rare Richardsonian Romanesque flatiron buildings. Constructed in 1892 across from Smith Tower, the Metropole spent decades housing shops, cafés, and hotel guests before earthquakes, fire, and neglect left it vacant and severely damaged. A new chapter began in 2019 when the Satterberg Foundationacquired the building with a bold vision rooted in equity and sustainability. After six years of careful restoration and innovative adaptive reuse, the Metropole has been reborn as a highly energy-efficient community hub, providing affordable space for organizations led by and serving communities of color.