Hilary Dorsey//June 12, 2026//
A $211 million senior housing development is coming to Issaquah, Washington 鈥 about 17 miles southeast of Seattle.
Senior housing developer The Springs Living of Beaverton broke ground June 3 on a five-story, 329,250-square-foot building at 850 Eighth Ave. N.E. in the suburb. The Springs at Issaquah Highlands will hold 225 apartments 鈥 114 for independent living, 84 for assisted living and 27 for memory care. There will be one story of parking partially below grade.
The project is a joint venture of The Springs Living, co-developer PMB of Solana Beach, California, and alternative investment firm Harrison Street Asset Management.
Mackenzie and GBD Architects partnered to design the project; Mackenzie is also the civil engineer. Exxel Pacific of Bellingham, Washington is the general contractor. Other contributions include structural engineering by KPFF, landscape architecture by Lango Hansen, MEP Basis of Design by Interface Engineering, mechanical and plumbing design/build by Ocean Park Mechanical of Tukwila, Washington, lighting design by Biella Lighting Design, and electrical design/build by Bergelectric, which is based in Carlsbad, California.
鈥淲ith shared values, a strong focus on client needs, and a commitment to the communities our designs serve, Mackenzie and GBD view this partnership as a strategic union of our expertise and local knowledge, designed to meet the project’s specific needs,鈥 Mackenzie architect and principal Steve Rupert stated in an email. 鈥淭ogether, we have intentionally identified key personnel with the correct skill sets to deliver our promise: a fun, engaging design process, clear documentation, and a team that will stay by the client’s side through project completion.鈥
This is the first collaboration between the two firms, but with hope there will be more, Rupert stated.
Both firms have a commitment to thoughtful design, strong client relationships, and creating places that matter, GBD Architects principal Craig Mendenhall stated in an email.
鈥淏y bringing together the strengths of both firms, we’re able to approach the project from multiple perspectives while staying focused on a common goal: delivering a solution that reflects the client’s vision and serves the community well,鈥 he stated.
The development is designed to reflect the character of the Issaquah Highlands neighborhood and its walkable access to parks and trails. The community’s location adjacent to the Swedish Issaquah medical campus reflects The Springs Living’s long-term vision for deeper integration with healthcare systems, creating greater alignment between housing, care, and access to services over time, Rupert stated.
Warm, natural materials will be paired with refined urban elements to create a welcoming residential environment. Building materials will include artisan brick, while natural wood accents introduce warmth and human scale. Board-formed concrete, black metal detailing, and a balanced composition of light and dark fiber-cement panels will add depth, texture and durability, ensuring the building will age gracefully over time, according to GBD Architects. Perforated metal screening will be integrated into the structured parking areas, incorporating artistic expression that reflects the character of the community.
The interior design will capture the feel of a modern rustic lodge and include stone and solid materials to anchor spaces. Light, airy spaces will be balanced by rich, warm wood elements. Communal hearth space will include big, comfy chairs where residents can relax, GBD Architects shared. There will also be outdoor-inspired elements like continuous flooring and overhead planes.
The building will be anchored by a signature water feature, a refined porte cochere, and a bright, lodge-style lobby. Neighborhood-inspired layouts were chosen for upper floors. A secure memory care wing will have outdoor areas, including a garden.
Other outdoor areas will include an assisted living courtyard, an independent living courtyard, a rooftop deck offering outdoor activities, and a wine lounge.
Indoor amenities will include an art room, a theater, dining venues, a pool, and a fitness center.
Staff spaces, including break rooms and kitchens, will be located along the building’s perimeter, with access to natural light.
The project team plans to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold and Fitwel certifications.
The new community is expected to open in late 2028.
Design Beyond Borders is a 91视频 feature offering a look at the projects outside of Oregon and Southwest Washington being tackled by local architecture firms. To have your firm’s projects considered, email the 91视频 news staff at聽[email protected].



