What is the Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts known for?

It is known for providing 50 units of affordable live-work space for creatives and their families, helping to maintain the distinctive character of Seattle's Pioneer Square Historic District.

The property is located in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood, specifically at the intersection of the Pioneer Square Historic District and the International District.

Can the public visit?

Yes, the building hosts public studio and loft tours, as well as arts events such as music, performances, and visual art exhibitions. The residential floors are also opened to the public for an annual Open House celebration.

What facilities are available on-site?

The building features a 110-person community room, an exterior deck, and approximately 40,000 square feet of commercial arts-related space, which includes studios, galleries, a café, and a pizza restaurant.

What is the history of the building?

One source identifies the building as being built in 1907. It later underwent a complete rehabilitation of the historic Kaplan building, including a three-story addition, and opened in June 2004 as affordable housing and work space for artists.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts in Seattle

Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts

A historic sanctuary for creativity, these affordable live-work lofts preserve the artistic spirit of Pioneer Square through rehabilitated architecture and permanent studio spaces for local creatives.

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What to know

The Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts stand at the intersection of Seattle’s Pioneer Square Historic District and the International District. This complex represents a vital effort to maintain the neighborhood's distinctive character, providing 50 units of affordable live-work space for creatives and their families. The project was a response to the 1990s, when market forces began driving artists out of the area at an alarming rate. Architecturally, the site is a blend of preservation and expansion. The project involved a complete rehabilitation of the historic Kaplan building—which some records date back to 1907—including essential seismic, envelope, and life-safety upgrades. To increase capacity, a three-story addition was integrated into the original Kaplan structure. Spanning a total of 144,590 square feet, the property is designed for versatility. Residential lofts range from 800 square foot one-bedroom units to 1,750 square foot three-bedroom spaces. Beyond the homes, the building features a 110-person community room and an exterior deck for residents. The ground level serves as a public-facing cultural hub. Approximately 40,000 square feet are dedicated to commercial arts-related space, which includes galleries, studios, a café, and a pizza restaurant. Together with the Tashiro Arts Building, this site helps secure nearly 130,000 square feet of permanently affordable arts space in the city.

Visitor tips

Visit the ground-floor commercial spaces to explore local galleries and studios.
Check for the annual Open House event to gain rare access to the residential artist floors.
Stop by the on-site café or pizza restaurant for a quick break while admiring the architecture.

Nearby context

Situated where the Pioneer Square Historic District meets the International District, this building serves as a cultural bridge between two of Seattle's most historic neighborhoods.