Village Green at

University Village

Seattle, Washington

“Putting the park back in parking…”

—Landscape Architecture Magazine

The heart of the village

University Village Shopping Center has earned national recognition for its innovative approach to enhancing the retail experience. By prioritizing place-making and creating an engaging pedestrian environment, the center has become a key destination for retail, dining, and entertainment.

Known for its garden-like character and carefully designed pedestrian amenities, University Village has transitioned nearly all parking to perimeter garages, freeing central space for community use. The Village Green, designed by Land Morphology, replaced a 3/4-acre parking lot with a vibrant gathering area framed by shops and restaurants. Surrounding streets were converted into pedestrian-friendly pathways, featuring inviting spaces for people to gather.

The Village Green now serves as a centerpiece and community hub where residents and visitors can enjoy play, culture, and relaxation. It is thoughtfully programmed for spontaneous social interactions, featuring a stage, art installations, play elements, varied gathering spaces, seating, and outdoor dining. Despite technical challenges, such as a high water table, the design has successfully created a sustainable, engaging environment that fosters community and cultural connection.

Team members include KPFF (civil and structural engineering), Hart Crowser (geotechnical engineering), Sazan (electrical engineering), Titan (electrical contractor, Bush Roed and Hitchings (survey), Foushee (general contractor), Nussbaum Group (landscape contractor), and Botanical Designs (seasonal color and container plantings).