New Life for a Storied Landmark

ASUW Shell House Renovation

Seattle, WA

Revitalizing a Community Landmark

This renovation preserves and breathes new life into an historic building with a storied past, from seaplane hangar to the home of UW Rowing and George Pocock’s renowned rowing shell workshop, famously chronicled in The Boys in the Boat. Improvements showcase the architecture’s lacy wood trusses and patina, introduce a glazed facade with sliding doors for water views, and expand accessibility along the Montlake Cut.

Supporting the Next 100 Years

Improvements to the structure, safety and visitor experience transform the aging 1918 building into a vibrant destination for student life, diverse events and historical perspective. A flexible event space is surrounded by exhibits highlighting the building’s rowing legacy and Indigenous portage history. Enhanced accessibility welcomes the public to Pocock's former workshop and meeting rooms above.

Connecting to History and Place

The restoration acknowledges the site’s layered history, including its use by Coast Salish peoples, and seeks to honor these communities through exhibits and programs. Raingardens filter stormwater and support ecological function along the waterway, reinforcing shared connection to this special place.