On the Boards: University District Food Bank

The 5,200 sq. ft. University District (U District) Food Bank in Northeast Seattle needed an update to accommodate a growing staff, growing operations, and evolving community needs. By way of the Cushing Terrell pro bono program, the food bank staff engaged the design team to improve the experience of both working and shopping within the space.

Located on the ground floor of a mixed-use development, the existing space includes a front-of-house grocery market, warehousing and storage space, community counseling services, mail room, and café (currently being utilized for storage), and a break room and offices for food bank staff.

To fully account for the needs and priorities of all users, the design team kicked off the project with a visit to the site to observe normal operations and a pre-design survey that was issued to staff members and volunteers. Following the survey, the team joined a staff meeting to engage one-on-one and discuss the collected responses.

The information captured will inform important upgrades, which are set to include a re-imagined layout for improved staff and customer circulation and observation; new, high-durability finishes; and aesthetic/artistic updates to create consistency, warmth, and an inviting appeal. Special attention will be given to the flow of people into and out of the space by creating separate entries for grocery customers and those using the counseling/mail room services, which will prevent lines forming outside of the food bank (particularly uncomfortable during rainy, Seattle winter months). Additionally, desking in the staff-only area will be reoriented to respond to the current staff size and needs, providing a comfortable and dynamic workplace environment.