The South Lake Union Discovery Center showcases the past, present and future of Seattle’s South Lake Union
neighborhood. Developed by Vulcan, Inc., a Paul G. Allen company, the 11,000-square-foot Center features state-of-the-art models and exhibits.
In keeping with Vulcan’s eco-friendly goals for its 60 acres in the South Lake Union neighborhood, the Discovery Center was designed by architectural firm Miller/Hull to a high standard of environmental responsibility. Due to its innovative construction, the Center can even be disassembeled into four distinct sections and moved to a new site if necessary, making it truly a sustainable building.
Reducing the run-off of pollutants into Lake Union is a priority for Vulcan and for the City of Seattle. To prevent harm to the lake’s native fish population, steps are being taken to slow stormwater runoff, allowing it to be re-absorbed into the ground for natural cleaning and filtering before reaching the lake. The Discovery Center features two such measures: a pair of bioswales flanking the building and a parking lot surfaced with Mutual Materials® Eco-Stone® permeable pavers.
