ONEX
Architecture, Pacific Northwest architects, Ming Zhang, MZA, MZA Architecture, Multi-family architecture, Office architecture design, Civic architecture design, Civic projects, Interior design, Retail building design, Master planning design, Bellevue architects, Seattle architects, Shanghai architects, Chinese architects, Award-winning architecture and design
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One X Day Aerial

ONEX-University District

Seattle, Washington

Client: Onelin Capital Corporation

Function: Multi-Family | Retail

Site Area: 474,332 sf

Total Floor Area: 667,900 sf

Units: 593

Building Height: 265 ft /23 stories

 

Onex-University District is an exciting multi-purpose development located in Seattle, Washington. Situated in the vibrant University District, this project combines multi-family residences with retail spaces, creating a dynamic and engaging community. With a sprawling site area of 474,332 square feet, Onex-University District offers an expansive total floor area of 667,900 square feet. Standing tall at a height of 265 feet, this impressive development encompasses 23 stories, making it a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. With 593 units available, Onex-University District provides residents with a modern and desirable living experience in one of Seattle’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

 

shifting the volumes_

Anchored at a lively intersection, ONEX introduces a dynamic multi-tower composition that activates the streetscape with retail and public spaces. Bold architectural expressions and colorful accents create an iconic presence, enriching the University District’s evolving skyline while fostering an active, pedestrian-focused community.

One X Night Perspective
One X cafe section

A crafted entry experience: the textured blue metal canopy and warm brick base establish a welcoming identity for the ONEX North Tower, blending durability and detail to activate the pedestrian realm.

One X Entry
One X Night aerial

ONEX redefines the University District skyline with a striking twin-tower composition. Rising above an active, human-scaled podium, the towers are carefully articulated to balance density and transparency, offering a luminous new presence that enriches the broader urban fabric.

ONEX’s two-tower design stitches seamlessly into the neighborhood fabric, framing a new central green space and activating the street edge with vibrant retail. The interplay of strong tower forms and a pedestrian-scaled podium fosters a dynamic, welcoming urban environment.

One X day aerial
One X cafe and green area section
One X dusk perspective

A vibrant corner moment anchors the ONEX development with active retail, outdoor seating, and direct access to a lush mid-block paseo—fostering connection between towers while weaving new community spaces into the neighborhood’s fabric.

The architectural composition is defined by a series of interlocking volumes that establish a strong geometric rhythm. The towers employ stepped and cantilevered massing strategies, creating horizontal and vertical shifts that break down the overall scale while introducing dynamic visual interest.

One X east elevation
One X west elevation

This formal interplay is reinforced through a contrasting material palette. Darker cladding defines the recessed and background volumes, while lighter materials articulate projecting masses, emphasizing their spatial hierarchy. A distinct vertical strip of blue-toned glazing further punctuates the composition, acting as both a visual anchor and an organizational element that ties the varied components together.

North-South Section illustrating height relationships.

One X section